Phil Heatley MP National Party Housing Spokesman

13 March 2008

HNZ tenants on $100k plus

National Party Housing spokesman Phil Heatley says after eight and a half years, Labour is still failing to prioritise low income earners for Housing New Zealand properties.

"Not only has the Government confirmed that it's perfectly okay for HNZ tenants paying market rents to own investment properties, but now it has been revealed that some of those households are earning more than $100,000 per year."

Mr Heatley is releasing answers to select committee questions which show HNZ has tenants that include a couple in Glen Innes who jointly earn $90,116 after tax and a couple in Panmure who earn $95,212 after tax.

"When there are close to 10,000 very low income families on the waiting list, Labour should be re-examining it's do nothing approach to those occupying state houses and denying a place to others who may be in more need."

Mr Heatley says the figures also show a New Plymouth tenant is individually earning $89,544 after tax, a Nelson household is earning $127,348 after tax, and a Papakura couple jointly earn $89,908 after tax.

The average household income in New Zealand is around $70,000 gross or about $50,000 after-tax.

"How did it ever get to the point where a Labour Government will house tenants earning $80,000, $90,000 and $100,000 a year after tax, and allow those same state house tenants to purchase their own rental properties, when there are so many needy families languishing on the waiting list?

"National will better use the state housing stock, returning it back to its original purpose of helping those families who are in serious housing need."

ENDS

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