Everyone has to play their part to address the accommodation shortage in Central Otago, according to member of parliament (MP) Jacqui Dean.

The Waitaki MP said while the accommodation issue is not new, the problem has escalated following the return of visitors, who are bringing with them increased demand for worker accommodation.  

“Central Otago employers have faced the issue for several years [of] housing seasonal and hospitality workers. It’s not a new problem,” Jacqui said.

“We need an answer that doesn’t see people… living in camping grounds and vans. 

“It’s fine when you’re young and passing through for picking season, but not if you have a young family.

“In a few short months, we’ll be back into winter… when we will really see problems with people not being properly housed.” 

She acknowledged the effort employers have made to provide more worker accommodation. She said it’s part of the solution but that more work is required.  

The MP thinks the answer lies in a joint effort from public and private sectors to ensure Central’s economic prosperity remains unaffected by the housing shortage. 

“Central Otago is growing rapidly, and that will not change. What has to happen is that everybody has to do their bit. 

“There is a tonne of opportunity out there which people are waking up to, to provide more housing.” 

“Everybody has a part to play; local government, central government and the private sector. All those groups are instrumental to an effective outcome [for] the accommodation shortage in Central,” she said.

“The losers in all this are those who can’t find a roof over their heads. These people have jobs but can’t find accommodation to meet their needs. That’s not good enough.” 

Are you or your whanau struggling to find accommodation in Central? Share your story with Central App reporter: [email protected]