15 April 2002

Green Housing Spokesperson Sue Bradford today said she was delighted with a Government move to protect pensioner housing from sale by local councils without adequate consultation with the community.

The Government announced today it will insert a clause in the Local Government Act which lists pensioner housing as a strategic asset and ensures wide community consultation on any moves to dispose of the assets. The clause comes into effect today.

"The Greens are really pleased with this move. There is real concern among many people of Auckland that a key social asset which has been built up over a long time is going to be flogged off by the Auckland City Council without adequate community consultation," said Ms Bradford.

"We are also really pleased with Government indications that pensioner housing may be further expanded to include all council housing as strategic assets"

Ms Bradford said pensioner housing was an essential community asset that most New Zealanders believed should be retained in public ownership.

"This is a sensible Government move that will bring much relief to concerned Auckland residents. There has not been adequate consultation over the decision to sell these Auckland City Council flats and this legislation will ensure that there is.

"Pensioner housing is an asset that has been built up by communities, councils and Central Government. This move to protect these assets is a commonsense decision which the Greens fully support."

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