11. TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West) Link to this
to the Minister of Housing
What are the spending priorities for Housing New Zealand under the new Government?
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Housing) Link to this
The three main priorities are insulating State houses, upgrading State houses that are in serious disrepair, and adding new houses in high-need areas. The funding of $25,000 sculptures in corporation developments, as encouraged by the previous Government, is not a priority for us.
I will give members an example. An albatross sculpture was commissioned for Northcote under the previous Government. A contract was entered into, and a significant down payment was made. I found out about this sculpture when it was half finished. Modest sponsorship of local communities is fine, but officials are crystal-clear that house upgrades for needy families, not expensive sculptures, are the Government’s priorities from now on.
Moana MackeyWhat priority does the Minister give to the persistent problem of housing affordability, given that he has just admitted that it is not a priority for the Housing New Zealand Corporation? What new initiatives were funded in Budget 20009, or does he still believe that tax cuts for the wealthiest New Zealanders are the answer to helping low-income families into homes?
I remind the House that we have increased the Housing Innovation Fund, which is predominantly used for first-home buyer and home renter projects, from $12 million to $20 million. That is just one example.
I agree with the Northcote tenants who in this week’s Campbell Live story said: “$25,000 would go a long way, if it was spent on improving security and the homes.” I tell colleagues that $25,000 would, in fact, insulate seven State homes. Our stimulus package of $125 million into housing upgrades and new builds—lifting needy families out of squalor, keeping 1,341 people employed in the month of May, and helping New Zealand through a tough recession—is a priority for us. A $25,000 albatross sculpture was a priority for the Labour Government.