Plans for a state housing development in Kerikeri's town centre have got some locals off side and prompted a public meeting on Wednesday night.
The organisers say they support more social housing in the Northland town, but are concerned about the density and location of the project, that could change the character of the village.
Kāinga Ora, in partnership with developers, has plans for twenty homes..including a mix of apartments and terraced homes on Clark Road - with construction due to start later this year.
One of the meeting organisers Vince Buxton talks to Lisa Owen.
In response, Kāinga Ora's Northland regional director said in a statement:
"As a public service agency, Kāinga Ora has a duty to remain politically neutral. The organisers of [the] meeting have invited a number of candidates for the upcoming general election as speakers, which makes this discussion inherently party-political in nature.
"Kāinga Ora has begun our own community engagement regarding our development plans in Kerikeri, with information going out to local service providers, and school boards of trustees, inviting meetings. I'm happy to organise and attend other meetings with individual community group. Any group in the Kerikeri area that wants a meeting can get in touch.
"The developer of the proposed housing in Clark St has applied to Far North District Council for resource consent. If consented, the development will house people eligible for permanent public housing."
