‘HNZC Houses let while family of 14 on waiting list’

Tariana Turia, Maori Party Spokesperson for Housing

Tuesday 2 May 2006

The Maori Party today raised questions about the poor performance of the Labour-led Government in responding to the sub-standard housing and over-crowding crisis.

“The Maori Party was approached by a woman living in Takou Bay, for urgent help in having their over-crowding situation addressed” stated Tariana Turia, Maori Party Spokesperson for Housing.

“Mrs Atareiria HeiHei had approached Housing New Zealand ten months ago for support to house her family, which included fourteen people living in her home”.

“The MSD Housing Support Co-ordinator responded on 18 October 2005, identifying “the most apparent and obvious issue” of overcrowding; as well as issues around privacy, health, family tension, emotional stress, hygiene and sanitation” said Mrs Turia.

“Mrs HeiHei subsequently wrote to the Minister of Housing, Hon Chris Carter, on 16 February 2006, alleging claims of nepotism, including a claim that one house has been used for the last four years as a holiday home for one family, with the home being empty most of the year other than the odd weekend and public holidays”.

“I was absolutely flabbergasted to think that families facing dire housing needs are being told to wait, while Housing NZ officers in Whangarei and Kaikohe turn a blind eye to the case of the holiday home” said Mrs Turia.
“I have written to the Minister of Housing asking for an urgent review of this case, and to undertake an immediate investigation into the claims around the holiday home”.

“We will be urging the Minister to take the over-crowding issue seriously, and address the vital priority for families in genuine need” stated Mrs Turia.

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