Ohariu MP Peter Dunne has welcomes Housing New Zealand's decision to rebuild on the 41 Frankmoore Avenue site in Johnsonville.

He says there had been concern following the demolition of a 12-unit complex on the site last year because of earthquake damage in 2013 that Housing New Zealand might sell the site.

'The decision to build new apartments on the site is most welcome.

'As I understand it, Housing New Zealand is planning three separate complexes, each containing seven apartments, with off-street parking and good privacy for residents.

'They should fit in very well with the local area,” he says.

Mr Dunne says he is very pleased Housing New Zealand has chosen to rebuild on the site, as its sale would have been seen locally as a sign that the provision of quality public housing in Johnsonville was no longer a priority.

'Housing New Zealand has done some good work in the area over recent years, and I hope these apartments will be a continuation of that,' he says.

It is understood that construction of the new complex could begin by the middle of the year.

SOURCE: Office of Peter Dunne