23 May 2007

Government Willfully Ignorant Of Gang Tenancies

New Zealand First Housing spokesperson Pita Paraone is astounded at the lack of any action taken by Housing New Zealand to identify and remove any of its tenants who are criminal gang members in the wake of the eviction notice served at a Range View Road, Owairaka, address last week.

Mr Paraone questioned the Housing Minister today as to whether any efforts to remove gang tenants had been made and was told that no such action was being undertaken. The Housing Minister also revealed that he had no idea of the extent of gang tenancies in State houses.

“Housing New Zealand have no real mechanisms for ensuring that their tenants are law abiding and it seems that they are content to wait until terrorised neighbours make a complaint before any action is taken,” said Mr Paraone.

“Why does the Minister consider it fair to leave high need, law abiding New Zealanders, sitting on a waiting list while known criminals live in taxpayer funded, heavily subsidised accommodation. Worse still, he doesn’t even consider it important enough to know the extent of the situation!

“It is absurd that the Government claims to be getting tough on gangs when it allows them to consort and supplies them with housing and benefits which aid their existence,” said Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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