Accomodation-sharing platforms and small towns in the Covid-19 era

Abstract

Accommodation-sharing platforms, such as Airbnb, provide the owners of accommodation, including private homes, with the opportunity to offer all or part of their home, or bed space in it, for accommodation-sharing. Accommodationsharing platforms are seen as inherently and deeply disruptive to the conventional accommodation sector and rental markets in many cities and regions worldwide. In regional towns in Aotearoa New Zealand, accommodation sharing is seen as an important part of the total visitor accommodation and an important influence in the rental accommodation and housing markets. The aim of this short field note is to share some thoughts on the planning and the policy implications of Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge: Ko ngā wā kāinga hei whakamāhorahora research that sought to demonstrate the likely ‘spill-over’ effects of accommodation-sharing on local housing waiting lists and rental prices over time. It draws on insights gleaned from a series of local government workshops focused on accommodation-sharing, and collaboration with the Waitaki Housing Taskforce supporting the development of a district housing strategy.