Su’a William
SIO
Pacific Island Affairs Spokesperson

2 October 2011 MEDIA STATEMENT

Housing: Families worse off under National

Families will continue to be worse off under National’s state housing policy, says Labour’s Pacific Island Affairs spokesperson Su’a William Sio.

“Housing Minister Phil Heatley confirmed yesterday that National’s policy is to move people earning the minimum wage or less into private housing,” Su’a William Sio said.

“According to the 2001 census 51.8 per cent of people aged 15 years and over in Manukau have annual earnings of $20,000 or less.

“People in Manukau will be worse off as long as National is the government,” Su’a William Sio said.

“There is insufficient housing because National has not built enough to meet the increased population, and it has no intention of doing so.

“According to the Salvation Army State of the Nation report in February, New Zealand needs 8000 additional new dwellings each year until 2026,” Su’a William Sio said. “National is turning a blind eye to real hardship and disadvantage.

“National’s failure to develop an effective housing plan means housing shortages in areas of high population growth such as Manukau --- and all the related problems that come with these shortages --- continue to worsen

“I encourage everyone living in a state house in Manukau to register to vote in the general elections because we have to join together to ensure Manukau’s housing needs are taken seriously,” Su’s William Sio said. “That’s never going to happen under this Government.

“This is a social justice issue, and we need to stand together for the sake of our communities.”

© Scoop Media