NZ needs more affordable housing, not less

New Zealand needs more affordable state housing not less, so it is deeply concerning that $380 million worth of state housing is on the blocks to be sold with no evidence that it will be replaced, said Green Party Co-Leader Russel Norman today.

“Housing in our country has become unaffordable for many New Zealanders because of the ridiculous housing price bubble overseen by the last Government. The last thing we need is for the current Government to make it worse by flogging off state houses,” said Dr Norman.

Minister of Housing Phil Heatley has stated that 3800 houses are up for sale. An Official Information Act release shows around 1500 enquires and 670 applications for purchasing state houses have been received. The value for the houses that Housing New Zealand Corporation has received enquiries about is approximately $380 million.

Green Party Housing Spokesperson Sue Bradford commented, “Of course people want to buy their own house if they can afford it, but New Zealand needs to increase our stock of state housing not sell it off.

“If the Government does sell off state houses they need to ensure that there are houses ready to replace them and we have seen no evidence that this will happen.

“What we really need is a large expansion in state housing that will create jobs in the depressed building sector and provide more affordable housing to those who desperately need it,” said Ms Bradford.

Dr Norman said, “I am worried about this Government’s commitment to state housing given that the Prime Minister has stated his opposition to state house tenants living in the Hobsonville development in west Auckland because it was too ‘upmarket’ for state house tenants. The Prime Minister’s elitist attitude ignores all Kiwis right to a fair go and somewhere to live."