12. JO GOODHEW (National—Rangitata) Link to this
to the Minister of Housing
What benefits will the extra $124.5 million of investment announced today for the Housing New Zealand Corporation provide to the people of New Zealand?
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Housing) Link to this
The initiative is a double win. First of all, we can address the disgraceful legacy left by the previous Government. Its inaction on upgrading State houses meant that Labour was a slum landlord. Secondly, skilled tradespeople in New Zealand, and the men and women who support those tradespeople, will continue to be in jobs for the next 12 to 18 months.
What actions has the Minister taken to ensure that the $124.5 million of increased funding announced today for the Housing New Zealand Corporation will help deliver economic stimulus as soon as possible?
Since the approval of the stimulus package by Cabinet I have been working with my officials to ensure that upon the announcement we can proceed pretty quickly. The package achieves three goals: first, it addresses the need to improve the living conditions of State house tenants due to the previous Government’s neglect in that area; secondly, it gives the ability to start as soon as possible, particularly with the upgrades, because many of those will not require consents; and, thirdly, this work will stimulate local economies right around New Zealand. I understand from my officials that it will take approximately 4 to 6 weeks to award upgrade contracts, to get the work under way as soon as possible.