Annette

KING

Spokesperson for Housing

24 January 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

KiwiBuild picks up more support

It should be welcome news for aspiring homeowners that the Green Party is throwing its full support behind Labour’s KiwiBuild scheme, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Annette King.

“Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei’s announcement that the ‘Home for Life’ policy has been designed to complement Labour’s KiwiBuild scheme is welcome.

“Labour will of course need to take a look at the policy in more detail to be sure it’s affordable. But in principle we support measures to make home ownership easier.

“We are also considering other measures, such as shared equity schemes as a way to get Kiwis into their first homes.

“Homeownership is slipping further and further out of reach for too many Kiwis. The National Government is doing nothing to address housing affordability and its inaction is condemning would-be homeowners to a lifetime of renting.

“KiwiBuild is a common sense programme that will give New Zealanders a leg up to their first home, while at the same time creating skilled jobs, providing apprenticeship opportunities and stimulating economic growth.

“It is great to see the Green’s agreeing with Labour on the need to address declining home ownership. Owning your own home is a vital part of creating stable, vibrant communities and insuring families are financially secure later in life.

“Labour also recognises the need to provide healthy and secure homes for renters.

“The Green Party’s commitment to work with Labour to build modern, affordable homes is an important step forward,” Annette King said.

ENDS

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