Denis O’Rourke MP
Spokesperson for Christchurch Earthquake Issues
21 November 2012

More Evidence Of Rent Gouging In Christchurch

New Zealand First says more evidence of rent gouging has emerged with a Christchurch family with nine young children landed with a rent increase of $100 a week to take their weekly rental from $460 to $560.

Christchurch Earthquake Issues spokesperson Denis O'Rourke says this vindicates repeated calls from New Zealand First for a short term rent freeze in the city.

“This is irrefutable evidence that rent gouging is continuing as a result of the housing shortage in Christchurch in the aftermath of the earthquakes.

“The family concerned will struggle to afford such an unconscionable hike in their rent.

“They say they’ve had ‘two years of hell with earthquake after earthquake and now the profiteers seem to be allowed to run rampant’.

“It is high time that Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee abandoned the pretence that the market will control home rents in Christchurch, and take overdue action to impose a short term rent freeze,” says Mr O’Rourke.

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ENDS

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Metservice: Where Will Snow Fall And What To Look Out For

The deep Antarctic air that is expected to sweep across the country this week is bringing very significant weather to many provinces.Here's the official MetService view of the key weather concerns for the country.

MetService Media and Communications Meteorologist Dan Corbett commented,"While snow will be a major issue for those in the South Island, wind and hail will affect many North Island districts."

Snow is expected to fall to sea level, or very near it, from Southland to South Canterbury from late Wednesday into Thursday and Friday. The snow level is expected to rise to 200m from about Christchurch northwards... More>>