Nicola Willis, National Party candidate for Wellington Central

Media Release

11 July 2017

Willis backs homeless, renters and home-owners

National Party candidate for Wellington Central Nicola Willis has committed to being a strong voice for the housing needs of Wellingtonians.

Ms Willis detailed her commitment at a housing forum hosted by Wellington's St Andrew's on the Terrace last night.

"Wellington is growing strongly, with new jobs being created and more people from around the world choosing to live in our great city," Ms Willis says.

"Our strong economy gives us an incredible opportunity to future-proof our city for tomorrow's increased housing needs.

"The National-led Government is already developing new purpose-built social housing for Wellingtonians with the highest housing needs, with 145 new units being built across the city. The Government is requiring more land to be released for housing development and it has streamlined the process for consenting new developments. Wellington property developers are confident about Wellington's prospects and have signalled their intention to build more houses in our city.

"I'm singling out three areas I'll be seeking additional progress in if I'm elected.

"I am calling for Wellington to receive its share of the $16.5 million of additional funding the Government has put aside to expand services for homeless people, through the Housing First approach. I want to see some of our fantastic local social services funded to deliver on their mission of ending homelessness in Wellington.

"I am announcing my plan to stick-up for Wellington's renters by ensuring the Government's reformed housing quality laws are adhered to. The vast majority of Wellington landlords are responsible and maintain their properties in good condition.

"I'll work with the local council to ensure all landlords uphold our strengthened quality housing requirements, so more houses are free from dampness, weatherproofed, able to be properly ventilated, to have approved standards of heating in place, and from 2019 to have insulation in roof and underfloor.

"Finally I'm announcing my intention to work alongside property developers and local authorities to remove any unnecessary planning and regulatory barriers that stand in the way of new houses being built.

"The National-led Government's commitment to strong economic management and practical housing policy is serving Wellington well. Today I'm committing to working constructively with Wellingtonians to ensure our housing needs continue to be met."

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