Fifteen more Kāinga Ora homes have been completed in Ashburton with families moving in on time for Christmas.

Mayor Neil Brown opened the new housing development in Dobson Street, which is the largest Kāinga Ora has completed in the town, so far.

The families have already started moving into the development, which includes 12 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom homes and a large communal outdoor area.

Brown said the new homes will be a welcome addition to Ashburton's existing social housing stock.

“Our district continues to grow steadily and during our Long Term Planning last year we heard many comments about the need for more social housing. We are all pleased to see this new development finished and families moving in, in time for Christmas.”

Kāinga Ora Canterbury regional director Liz Krause said the completion of the homes is great news for the families who will live there.

“We’re really pleased that the families who will move in will be able to celebrate their first Christmas there and also enjoy the lovely outdoor space over the warmer summer months.

“Our team is currently working hard to match people to the new homes and will continue to support everyone who will be living there to settle in well,” Liz said.

Construction of the new homes began in April 2024 and Kāinga Ora has completed more than 60 homes in Ashburton since 2023.

There are another 32 houses under contract or construction in Ashburton.