Suitable And Affordable Homes Needed

New Zealand First says the Government’s proposal for 41 new special housing areas in Auckland will not be effective for many.

“The Government is out of touch in its belief that the average Kiwi family can afford over $400,000 for a new house,” says Associate Spokesperson for Housing Le’aufa’amulia Asenati Lole-Taylor.

“These houses are unaffordable for people on low incomes.

“This plan is mostly accommodating the surge of new migrants to the city and ignores residents who have been struggling to find homes for years.

“Too many families will be cramped together on small sites, and many of the special housing areas are in places where families are large, like Māngere and Otahuhu.

“We want to avoid health risks associated with crowded households, like asthma and rheumatic fever, and meningococcal disease. The housing scheme is a backward step unless it is tailored to fit families in need.

“If we look at the current situation in Auckland, however, it is clear to see that many local residents will miss out.

“New Zealand First also wants the Government to control the costs that property developers put on the price of these houses.

“There should be a spread of suitable housing types that are affordable for everyone,” says Mrs Lole-Taylor.

ENDS

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