Phil Twyford
Housing Spokesperson

14 November 2013

Nats squeeze the lifeblood out of Housing NZ

National is squeezing the life out of Housing New Zealand, slashing capital and demanding increased dividends in the middle of a housing crisis, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Phil Twyford.

“The Salvation Army’s report into Housing NZ has revealed that since coming into office National has taken hundreds of millions out of the corporation in dividends while severely reducing capital contributions.

“This comes at a time when the housing waiting list stands at 4,000 and Housing New Zealand is referring people to live in campgrounds.

“The only reason National is cutting capital and hiking dividends is to pay for their uncosted tax cuts at the expense of the poor who are in desperate need of a home.

“National expects Housing NZ to be a cash-cow. Nick Smith must stop the rort and ensure the corporation does its proper job.

“National is acting for the few, not the many people in need of proper housing in this country. The Salvation Army’s report is a damning indictment on this Government’s record.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media