Tuesday 27th Jul 1999
Media Release -- Social Welfare

Government Gets Housing Wake Up Call

ACT's Housing spokesperson Muriel Newman says "the plight of state housing tenants in Auckland's eastern suburbs is a wake up call to the Government, to get out of Housing."

ACT MP Muriel Newman says " the recent Women's Advocacy Group survey which shows the general decline and poor living conditions of more than 40 Glen Innes State homes is a definite indication that the government should no longer be involved in providing accommodation".

Muriel Newman says " Housing New Zealand obviously isn't addressing the needs of many of their tenants who are being forced to put their health at risk by living in unsafe, cold, damp and poorly maintained houses."

The report shows 85 % of the tenants surveyed are dissatisfied with their relationship with Housing NZ.

Muriel Newman says "a recent Select Committee hearing urged Housing New Zealand to investigate the ventilation problems in many of their properties."

She says "the survey results highlights the fact that Housing New Zealand obviously doesn't have the time or the commitment to provide these families with adequate and healthy living conditions."

Muriel Newman says ôThe government should move out of owning homes and focus on every New Zealand Family having access to a safe and healthy environment by insuring the private sector has the sole responsibility of rental homes."

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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