Time to rethink affordable housing at Hobsonville

John Key’s own backyard could provide affordable housing opportunities Labour’s Housing spokesperson Annette King says.

The Hobsonville development, a mixed housing project proposed by Labour, would have seen around 500 state houses and 500 affordable houses built alongside upmarket  properties in John Key’s electorate.

“But it was scrapped by Mr Key after he called it 'economic vandalism’ and suggested the project would relegate the area to 'a lifetime of mediocrity'.

“If the Government is serious about tackling affordable housing why not resurrect a project that could make real headway for families?

“Instead, all National has done is cut funding for community housing, cut funding for state house maintenance and cut funding to Welcome Home Loans. It also cancelled the Gateway programme using the excuse that it was now easier for low income families to buy their own homes because mortgage rates had dropped.

“Now we’ve had its long-awaited response to the Productivity Commission’s report on affordable housing and families are still no better off.

“National’s four-pronged approach aims to 'reduce housing stress and to enable the housing market to better meet the needs of middle and low income New Zealanders’.

“The Hobsonville development would be a tangible step in that direction. The Government could then move to the crown land at Weymouth.

“I am urging John Key to open up his own electorate and lead by example,” Annette King said.