Almost 220 new social and transitional houses are to be built in Tauranga and Papamoa.

Minister for Social Housing, Amy Adams, says the Government is on track to have 68 short term houses ready by the end of the year.

She says across the wider Bay of Plenty region they will provide a total of 146 transitional housing places, which will help 584 families every year.

The newest of them has been opened in Tauranga today, and will be run by Te Tuinga Whanau Support Services Trust.