30 August 2023
Barry Murphy
[email address]
Dear Mr Murphy
I refer to your official information request dated 31 July 2023, for the following information:
1./ Could I please be provided with the "high level tested and proved" designs for single story
buildings for the consideration for the Ohakune LOTS 300-450sqm in size as they were not part
of the building consent application; only 2 level designs were included.
2./ Could I please be provided with the number of people waiting on housing in the "Ohakune"
(for the Ruapehu region this is 72) , please also provide the bedroom requirements to make up
homes (i.e. 20 x 1 bedroom, 10 x 2 bedroom, 3 x 3 bedroom).
3./ Could I please be provided with the reviews done on existing properties for sale in the
Ohakune Region in the last 12 months, along with the date the review had been done. I.e. I
would like to understand which houses have been considered and then declared not fit for KO
standards, along with any that may have passed the "Dimension" standard 4./ Please provide
the same for land purchase reviews that have been considered for Ohakune in the last 24
months, along with addresses, LOT numbers and any reports produced.
5./ Considering Ohakune is far from any major town or city that has supplies, and the lack of
builders in the region, I would like to see costing including materials, travel to Ohakune &
accomodation for the builders. What is the average cost to build per sqm in the Ohakune region
for KO based on these rural elements.
6./ Who will the 29 remaining sections in Stage 1 be listed with, or how will they be sold.
Essentially, there is 15 "workers accomodation" properties that WPI was mentioned as a
possible buyer; how would they go about purchasing these at a discount and at what discount?
7./ Which developers are KO currently in discussion with to build the homes in Ohakune; if this
is commercially sensitive, can you advise how many you are in talks with and their locations; I'm
trying to gauge if these builders are local or out of town.
8./ What engagement and communication has KO had with doctors/medical practitioners/other
departments around schooling and health capacity? Please provide dates of when these
occurred.
9./ Has any report been provided or exist on the impact and value loss, to the Snowmass
subdivision next door and to the Carrot Park by having this intensified social housing and
affordable houses next door. Please provide these.
10./ Could you please link me to, or if not available on the web, provide the "Dimension"
standards that KO goes by when looking at existing properties.
11./ Can you please confirm that Taumarunui was not the intended initial location for this CIP
Infrastructure Reference Group funding, and that the project was not moved to Ohakune
because of a land claim; please provide all related documents to the CIP funding and any
modifications through the process.
We have transferred Question 11 of your request to the Ruapehu District Council (RDC) as the
information to which this part of your request relates is believed to be more closely connected with
the functions of RDC. In these circumstances, we are required by section 14 of the OIA to transfer
your request. You will hear further from RDC concerning this part of your request.
We will endeavour to respond to the remaining parts of your request as soon as possible and in any
event no later than 22 September 2023, in accordance with section 15(1) of the OIA.
Under section 28 of the Act you have the right to seek an investigation and review by the
Ombudsman of this response. Contact details for the Ombudsman can be found at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz.
Yours sincerely
Donna Jennings
Senior Advisor Government Relations
