‘Development for people, not for profit’

Tenants support groups and community action grew in the 1970s in response to the shortage of quality rental housing, high rents, unscrupulous landlords and weak government regulation of housing standards.

In Wellington’s inner city, home to vibrant multi-cultural communities, there was increasing pressure for motorways, commercial developments and urban renewal. Most of the housing stock was rented, old and often dilapidated. Residents and community workers waged prolonged struggles to protect homes, improve the state of rental property and preserve communities. Throughout the 1970s, activism and advocacy by and for tenants was an integral part of inner-city life.

The Wellington Tenants Protection Association/Union (TPU) took direct action, including rent strikes, helped tenants with legal advice and lobbied for policy change. It established squats in empty government-owned houses to draw attention to the housing shortage and settle families desperate for suitable accommodation. TPU also supported tenants to resist eviction, and picketed and blacklisted landlords to shame them into treating tenants fairly, making necessary repairs and charging fair rents. TPU also wanted to increase public awareness of tenancy issues and work towards a more equitable housing system.

In 1975, 70 residents of Mt Victoria assembled at Melksham Towers on Brougham St to protest the loss of rental housing to high-rise commercial development. This and other campaigns by the Mt Victoria community over many years epitomised both a community’s struggle to have a say in the development of its area, urban design, housing style and stock, and community connectedness. Previously, Wellington City Council (WCC) had approved a 10-storey development with 36 fully self-contained, two-bedroom residential flats. About two months before the building was opened, residents discovered that the developer planned to provide temporary, up-market visitor accommodation. They felt duped – they demanded ‘development for people, not for profit’.

Active residents and the Mt Victoria Progressive Association pressured the Council to change the area’s zoning to reduce height limits and annul the unlimited right to construct apartments and motels. They also petitioned the developer to cease developments in the area and make some of Melksham Towers available as long-term rental accommodation. Councillor David Shand declared publicly that ‘Planning for Mt Victoria is in a shambles … in fact there isn’t a plan. The City Council should do much more in public housing programmes for the area.’ (Evening Post, 6 June 1975).

In 1976, the developer offered to sell Melksham Towers to the city. Lacking sufficient finance, the WCC declined.  In another critical action, in 1977/1978, the Mt Victoria community successfully opposed a large motel development in Ellice and Moir Streets that would have demolished nine homes – the battle went all the way to the Supreme Court.  

Despite the positive impacts achieved in Wellington in the 1970s – stopping large-scale commercial developments, growing community facilities and connectedness and changing the District Scheme, there were fewer houses to rent and many people could not afford to buy or even live in the city.  WCC and the Housing Corporation provided ‘urban renewal’ loan finance and advice to home renovators, but did not respond significantly to active lobbying for more public rental housing.

Two community organisations that still play a key role in housing in the city have their roots in this decade of protest. Inner City Ministry (now DCM) seeded multiple initiatives to address unemployment, mental health, homelessness, migrant and refugee resettlement. Today DCM focuses on homelessness in the city. The Mt Victoria Housing Trust (est. 1981), arose out of deep concern about gentrification and the loss of secure, affordable rental housing. Now Dwell Housing Trust, it provides affordable, quality homes for people in need.