Ian's talk was an Introduction to Community Development and Affordable Housing. He give participants an introduction to the topic, sharing his over 25 years industry experience to demonstrate that they could form a healthy, affordable housing communities. He also shared the key information about affordable housing - it is about affordable, quality, sustainably built homes that go beyond the DIY market.
The other topic Ian covered is Engineering Services and Working with Council for Community Development. In this section of his workshop he aimed at educating and inspiring people about:
1) the implications of the on/off grid decision.
2) creative alternatives within the holistic vision of the community.
3) the constraints that Council works under;
and also:
4) suggesting strategies to side-step conflict and effectively move forward in a timely fashion without spending a fortune.
He covered key options for provision of water, wastewater, stormwater and power for the community and the trade-offs that are part of the on/off grid decision and shared knowledge of planning and building consents, District Plan and the Building Act and ways to work with the Council to find a suitable site.