Kris
FAAFOI

MP for Mana

4 November 2014 MEDIA STATEMENT

Demolitions can’t lead to history repeating

The Government’s plan to demolish and sell off Housing New Zealand units in Porirua must lead to the construction of new affordable housing not just more empty allotments, Mana Labour MP Kris Faafoi says.

“National’s plan to demolish at least 15 homes along Esk Place and Hazard Grove will be of enormous concern to the community given this Government’s track record of leaving the job half done when it comes to local housing needs.

“These properties have been boarded up and vacant for some time while they awaited maintenance work for earthquake strengthening.

“Meanwhile Porirua’s housing crisis continues to grow. Now they’re being demolished – with no real plan beyond that.

“National cannot simply demolish homes and leave the task of rebuilding to social groups and local organisations.

“Ultimately the Government’s plan is about selling assets and shirking its housing responsibilities, based on a long-expired set of right wing ideas. This is pulling up the ladder at its worst,” said Kris Faafoi.

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