5. TIM MACINDOE (National—Hamilton West) Link to this
to the Minister of Housing
What recent announcement has he made about the direction of social housing in New Zealand?
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Housing) Link to this
Today I announced the overarching decisions in response to the recommendations of the Housing Shareholders’ Advisory Group. It has become apparent that the status quo for the provision of State housing is no longer sustainable and we need to make some significant changes. As such, the Government will be acting on many of the group’s key recommendations. These recommendations include working closely with the third sector to grow the total quantum of social housing in New Zealand, the end to having a State house for life, the introduction of reviewable tenancies for all Housing New Zealand Corporation tenants from 1 July 2011—that is, new tenants, not current ones—and placing responsibility for housing-related policy with one agency.
What will the introduction of reviewable tenancies mean for new Housing New Zealand Corporation tenants?
This Government is committed to providing a house for those in need for as long as that need exists. The introduction of reviewable tenancies means that from 1 July next year all new tenants will have their tenancy periodically reviewed. For many, their need for a State house will be a long-term situation, and they will be housed for as long as that need exists. However, we will work with those who have seen a significant improvement in their circumstances to find them alternative accommodation. That alternative might be in the community housing sector; it might be in the private sector. Once reviewable tenancies have been implemented for new tenants, consideration will be given to extending this measure to current tenants, although the elderly and those who are significantly disabled would not go on to reviewable tenancies.
We will be working with providers in the community housing sector over the coming months to find the best ways to address the current constraints that challenge their growth. We know that those providers can successfully provide housing. They are ready, willing, and able, and we are ready, willing, and able to help them. These providers can leverage funding and assets from a broad range of sources. They have wide skills, often specialise, and offer extra services, and they are often more competitive and innovative when it comes to house design and production. We want to support them and we will.
Moana MackeyIf he is prepared to exempt pensioners from any reviewable tenancies regardless of their means, will he also exempt families with young children who attend local schools, given the negative impacts disruption can have on educational achievement?
We have said that any new tenants coming in from 1 July next year will be on reviewable tenancies. We are saying that in terms of current tenants going on to reviewable tenancies, the elderly and seriously disabled can expect not to have to go on to reviewable tenancies. In terms of families, they will go on reviewable tenancies but, of course, they may need to remain in their State home if their need persists. If their circumstances improve, then clearly they will move out of State housing and into community housing or private housing.