Events

UN World Habitat Day Housing Forum: "Affordable and Healthy Housing for All"

As part of our activities for World Habitat Day 2008, Monday October 6, Habitat for Humanity New Zealand hosted a forum focusing on issues of substandard housing in New Zealand, and the opportunities we have to build better communities.
 
Guest speakers included NGO and academic thought-leaders: the Salvation Army’s Major Campbell Roberts, sustainable homes expert Nick Collins and public health experts Dr Chris Bullen and Dr Simon Denny.
 
Presentations included reports on the negative impact of overcrowded, damp and cold houses on health and educational outcomes; and the need for urgent action on providing affordable housing in New Zealand. Representatives from major political parties also attended and responded to issues raised.
 

Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, delivered the opening address of the forum, introducing World Habitat Day, and highlighting the need for broad partnerships to address the housing crisis worldwide:

 

“The UN’s World Habitat Day is a chance to highlight the vast shelter needs in our world. It is also an opportunity to consider how we might come together - in partnership with families directly - to meet those needs, to help bridge the gap between those who have and those who have not.”

 

Mr Reckford acknowledged that it is not something that can be done alone by an individual or corporation, single government or non-profit organisation. “Working together we can deliver a deeper impact in more lives in more communities in more corners of the globe, including here in New Zealand” he said.
 
Click the image to the right for the full programme.
 

Speakers Presentations