Protest shows tenants won't go quietly

The protest in Glen Innes last night calling for a moratorium on National’s state housing sell-off shows  the community is staunch in its opposition to the Government’s renewal and refurbishment plan, says Labour’s Housing spokesperson Annette King.

“This Government’s commitment to social housing is at an all-time low. Its bullying tactics in communities like Glen Innes are deplorable.

“Last night’s rally, organised by the Tamaki Housing Group, shows that Housing New Zealand tenants are not going to take this Government’s two fingered salute sitting down,” Annette King said.

“This week has seen a groundswell of action from tenants being moved out of homes for various reasons, adding to an already lengthy waiting list.

“Labour has tried to get Housing Minister Phil Heatley to work with tenants, to develop a genuine partnership and to come up with a proposal that helps more people into affordable quality housing to no avail.

“In his race to get rid of state housing Mr Heatley hasn’t even checked how many houses his department have sold off, demolished, or abandoned. This is careless stuff.

“The degradation of social housing stock is damaging for communities no matter what way you look at it and pushing low-income tenants into the private rental market is not a solution.

“A Labour-led Government will have affordable housing at the centre of our economic and social policy,” Annette King said.