Cooperative housing: a new Kiwi dream?

Academic research

26 Sept

This doctoral thesis examines whether cooperative and collective housing models could play a meaningful role in addressing New Zealand’s housing affordability crisis. Drawing on socio-legal analysis, qualitative interviews, and international comparison, the research explores how cooperative housing has developed in Aotearoa New Zealand, why it remains marginal, and what legal and policy reforms would be required to support its wider adoption.

The thesis focuses in particular on unit title collective developments and rental cooperative housing, assessing their affordability, governance, financing, and regulatory constraints. By comparing New Zealand’s experience with Australia’s more developed cooperative housing framework, the research highlights how gaps in legislation, access to finance, and public policy recognition limit the ability of cooperative housing to scale. The study situates cooperative housing within broader debates about collective action, democratic ownership, and the right to adequate housing, positioning cooperatives as a potential long-term contributor to social and economic wellbeing.

Research at a glance

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Author: Sophie Goossens
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Year: 2024
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Institution: University of Canterbury
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Focus: Cooperative and collective housing, housing affordability, law and policy reform

Geographic scope: New Zealand (with international comparison to Australia)

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Format: PhD thesis (PDF)
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Why this research matters

Housing affordability is a persistent challenge in New Zealand with wide-ranging economic and social impacts. This research provides one of the most comprehensive academic examinations of cooperative housing in Aotearoa New Zealand, filling a significant gap in local literature. It demonstrates how cooperative and mutual ownership models could support more affordable, stable housing outcomes, while also identifying the legal, financial, and institutional barriers that currently prevent their wider use.

For policymakers and regulators, the thesis offers evidence-based insights into how cooperative housing could be better supported through law and policy reform. For researchers, practitioners, and cooperative advocates, it provides a rigorous foundation for understanding the role of collective ownership in housing systems and how New Zealand fits within global cooperative housing practice.

Key themes explored

Cooperative and collective housing models
Housing affordability and economic wellbeing
Collective action and democratic ownership
Legal and regulatory frameworks for cooperatives
Comparative analysis of New Zealand and Australian cooperative housing systems

Read the full thesis [pdf]

Learn more about cooperative housing

Listen to Liz Thomas, Managing Director Common Equity Housing Ltd discuss how Australia is successfully implementing federated cooperative housing.