A small West Coast town is chasing its tail, a builder says, as the housing supply hits a breaking point amid a mining boom.
By Charlotte Mulder
Mining in Reefton, home to just under 1000 people, is expected to create up to 500 new jobs over the next two to five years.
The housing stock was already thin, with just one rental property currently available.
Builder James McConachie was working long hours to keep up with demand.
"We’re extremely busy and struggling to keep up," he said.
"The mining boom has only just started and we’re already chasing our tail."
Local real estate agents said the situation is reaching breaking point.
"Demand is already well above supply. The big question is, where do we put another 200 to 400 people?" Property Brokers branch manager Charlie Ellie said.
Reefton resident John Bougen, who has built more than 40 properties in the area, said the issue was twofold.
"We’ve got this huge demand and nowhere to put people," he said.
"Not only do we need new housing, but a lot of the existing homes also need significant upgrades."
Bougen was now involved in plans to expand accommodation at the local campground, providing more options for incoming workers.
It followed the Government's push to double mineral exports by 2035, which was expected to generate hundreds of millions of dollars.
Two major gold mining companies, Rua Gold and Endura Mining, were ramping up operations near Reefton.
Endura Mining had already begun work on its Snowy River project, which was expected to create between 200 and 250 jobs once fully operational later this year or early next year.
While the economic boost was welcomed, residents were concerned the town lacked the capacity to cope.
Endura Mining said it planned to build a dedicated workers' village, with construction expected to begin in the coming months.
However, housing was not the only concern.
Ageing infrastructure — including water, wastewater and electricity systems — was also under pressure, with the Buller District Council warning upgrades would be needed to support growth.
Mayor Chris Russell said the council was hoping for support from both the industry and central government.
"We’re hopeful that any investment now will leave us with infrastructure that serves the community for decades to come," he said.
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