26 May 2009
Media Statement

Housing NZ becomes judge and jury under Heatley

Housing Minister Phil Heatley must explain how he can justify the draconian decision to allow Housing New Zealand to ban people on bail from applying for a state house, says Labour’s housing spokesperson Moana Mackey.

“It is simply not appropriate for a social housing agency to set itself up as judge and jury on the innocence or guilt of people appearing before the courts.

“Under the law people are presumed innocent until proven otherwise, but this Minister seems to consider his agency above the law,” Moana Mackey said.

“Many people on bail are not convicted of the offences they are charged with. Furthermore delays in the court system mean a number of people remain on bail for a year or more before their case is even heard.

“Housing New Zealand is there is provide a home for families in need. This decision could force families into homelessness, or into a situation where parents are forced to separate in order to ensure their children are housed.

“Neither of these scenarios is appropriate, nor acceptable,” Moana Mackey said.

“Housing New Zealand already has policies in place which allow it to evict tenants who are disruptive to neighbours. To claim that this new, draconian step, is being taken for this purpose is simply disingenuous.

“Mr Heatley has to explain himself. He has once again directed his agency to purge itself of tenants he deems undesirable and the public needs to know what he’s got planned next.”

ENDS

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