20 June 2002

Auckland City Council's decision to carry on regardless in their sale of council housing is a blow to democracy, reason and humanity. Their only concession, in the face of massive opposition to the annual plan, to establish the interest of central government and Housing New Zealand before proceeding with the sales programme, means nothing.

"We had been lead to believe that discussions with government and HNZ had already been undertaken, but that they were not interested or did not have the resources," says Sigrid Shayer, spokesperson for the Council Housing Action Group. "In effect there will only be a slight delay before the stock, and peoples lives, go under the hammer."

It is hoped that the re-introduction in the new government of the Local Government Bill and associated amendments to provide greater safeguards for any proposed sale of local authority housing, will ultimately effect Auckland City's decision.

Council Housing Action Group - ph Sigrid Shayer, spokesperson 3611517

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