"Happy New Year" From Housing NZ

One of the income related rent tenants of Housing NZ Corporation who managed to reapply for his income related rent before Christmas received another bombshell immediately afterwards.

In response to his re-application he has been told that his rent has been reviewed and is to go up $1 a week. An increase of $52 a year. This is without any increase in income to justify it.

In addition to this "bonus" he was also informed that HNZ would write to Work and Income NZ to get the automatic payment changed by them. If, however, this is not successful, he will be held responsible for any arrears.

"This situation is getting more absurd each time I hear from them" said Nick Parfitt, the tenant concerned. "Firstly, they knew I still qualified without writing to me, now they are holding me responsible if two government agencies are unable to adequately perform their duties. But on top of this is my loss of income - an income reduction."

"What more 'bonuses' of this sort might I expect from government agencies this New Year??!!"

Contacts Nick Parfitt, HNZC tenant - 06 357 0935
Ian Ritchie, Palmerston North Poverty Action Group 06 3289 618

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