A group of locals is hoping to bring an innovative housing model for older people to Wānaka.

Abbeyfield is a volunteer-based trust that provides ‘family-style’ affordable rental accommodation for seniors.

Queenstown Lakes District Council councillor Lyal Cocks is part of a new steering group hoping to establish an Abbeyfield house in the Upper Clutha.

“It’s a good model,” Lyal said. 

While rent prices vary across different Abbeyfield homes, the rent is set “at a certain level”, Lyal said. 

Tenants in Abbeyfield homes are also eligible for some government rental support which can help cover the cost.

The steering group had undertaken a needs assessment and determined that there is need for a service like Abbeyfield in Wānaka. 

A meeting with a representative from Abbeyfield on Friday (February 9) went well, Lyal said.

“Now that we’ve had our inaugural meeting, we want to get it out to the public that we're established and underway.”

Establishing an Abbeyfield house would be a long process, Lyal said.

“It’s in the early stages,” he said. “There’s a lot of work to be done.”

There are 14 Abbeyfield ‘houses’ around New Zealand, each of them purpose-built for 11-14 people who want to retain their independence but enjoy companionship. 

Tenants share meals prepared by a housekeeper who also takes care of grocery shopping and cleaning the communal areas. 

The houses are designed for people who can care for themselves independently and the houses do not include medical care or personal cleaning and care services.

PHOTO: Supplied