KĀINGA ORA TO UP OSM BY 20%

The agency has confirmed it will increase its use of offsite manufacturing (OSM) over the duration of the Public Housing Plan

The Transforming construction through innovation; our offsite manufacturing plan states that Kāinga Ora will increase the number of OSM solutions it uses by a minimum of 20% year-on-year for the duration of the Public Housing Plan. The Public Housing Plan 2021-2024 commits the Government to building 18,000 housing places by 2024. 

Kāinga Ora currently uses OSM techniques in around 15% of its builds.

Patrick Dougherty, Kāinga Ora General Manager Construction and Innovation, says that increasing OSM use can improve construction productivity and will provide Kāinga Ora build partners with a consistent work.

“We know that the construction sector in New Zealand is operating at full capacity, and we can’t rely solely on traditional stick build methods of the past. Innovative approaches such as OSM are needed to start turning around the challenges that have beset the sector.”

Dougherty says a key part of the OSM Plan is to increase the use of OSM by 20%.

“To achieve this, we will further develop partnership frameworks with suppliers, so that together we can meet the growing demand for housing. 

“By leveraging our guaranteed pipeline of work, we can provide our build partners and suppliers with assurances through multi-year contracts. This should enable them to increase their capacity and capability to provide this type of home at scale.”

According to Kāinga Ora, OSM has several benefits:

• Homes can be built up to 40% faster than traditional methods.
• Fewer variables allow for a more streamlined build process.
• Materials aren’t exposed to the elements during construction.
• Less construction waste is produced.

The OSM homes will all meet Healthy Homes standard and be built to meet the New Zealand Green Building Council’s 6 Homestar ratings. 

Kāinga Ora’s commitment to sustainable buildings follows in the footsteps of Government plans to run a carbon neutral public sector by 2026.