As the West Coast’s minerals sector prepares to deliver hundreds of new jobs in the coming years, housing has become one of the region’s most pressing challenges.
A shortage of housing is already making it hard to attract and retain the workers needed to support economic growth.
To help address this, DWC is backing a range of housing developments through targeted commercial lending enabling projects that fast-track housing supply in high-demand areas.
One such initiative is the Reefton Motor Camp accommodation project — a collaborative effort between Buller District Council, Federation Mining, and DWC. Ten new accommodation units, currently being built off-site by South Peak Homes, will be installed at the campground. These will initially house mine workers before transitioning into visitor accommodation, supporting both immediate workforce needs and longterm tourism growth.
Reefton Motor Camp project
“Having DWC involved in the Reefton Motor Camp accommodation project has shown a fantastic collaboration between council, Federation Mining and DWC. The investment solves an immediate accommodation need of Federation Mining as it expands while also providing a long-term strategic benefit to the Camp’s commercial opportunity and facilities.”
DWC is also supporting Reefton-based developer Retail Solutions with finance to construct five new two-bedroom homes on vacant land near the town centre. Fully equipped for families and designed to be move-in ready, the homes feature locally sourced furniture from West Coast suppliers. Two homes are already complete, with three more under construction. The development is helping house workers relocating to Reefton for the Snowy River Gold Project.
Workers’ accommodation in Reefton
“Retail Solutions has been working for years to help ease Reefton’s chronic housing shortage. Thanks to DWC’s support, we’ve been able to take things to the next level, building family-ready, fully furnished homes that remove barriers for miners moving to the area.”
In Kaiata, DWC is working with Ball Developments to help bring the Paparoa Views subdivision to life — a major new residential development set to boost much-needed housing supply in the Grey District. Initial commercial finance from DWC has supported construction of the subdivision’s first five homes, with backing in place for another five. Once complete, the development is expected to deliver over 150 new sections, supporting both population growth and economic development for the region.
Paparoa Views
“My wife Julie and I have a passion for the West Coast. We have been developing property here for the past 20+ years. We love creating quality residential communities. DWC has been proactive and simply fantastic to deal with in our latest development, Paparoa Views.”
