For example, we may increase school attendance, but if children go to school hungry they are not likely to succeed, and if they do not have waterproof clothing they may be unwell and unable to go to school.
Housing availability and costs are major contributing factors to the rise of inequity in Auckland. Rising housing costs increase neighbourhood segregation on the basis of wealth. Many people, particularly older people, young people, and people on low incomes are being priced out of their current community or cannot afford to hold on to their property. This can break social connections and support networks and add to the difficulty of finding employment or achieving educational success. This in turn limits the opportunities for
social mobility and contributes to inter-generational disadvantage. Providing for a range of housing types and tenures in new developments helps support mixed neighbourhoods.
Place-based initiatives represent a targeted and integrated approach to addressing entrenched issues within a specific geographical area. Institutions and organisations can play their part in addressing disparities through place-based work such as
The Southern Initiative.
Others can make a significant impact through the redevelopment of housing or assistance for warm and dry homes. Integrated approaches in targeted locations can achieve transformational change for Auckland's communities.
How this can be done
Focusing our efforts in communities of greatest need and areas where there are entrenched disparities in outcomes will create the greatest benefit to individuals, communities and Auckland as a whole.
Early action in areas of growth and significant change also provides the opportunity to focus activity on addressing disparities before they become embedded. This is a particular opportunity in the redevelopment of existing urban areas.
We are focusing on achieving change, and that means doing more in areas and communities where change is most needed.
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