The Missing Million.

                                 Now that the election results are in,it is to be expected that the rapacious media is writing the obituary of the Labour Party .They would do well to remember that a similar melt-down happened to the National Party,when its support base also collapsed under Jenny Shipley. The National Party hit the rocks and had three leaders,Gerry Brownlee,Bill English and Don Brash ,who came and went over a short period of time.

                                   I have no doubt that the Labour Party will again be in government,once it unites under leadership and turns the party into a serious political machine,representing the center-left.The big worry for all parties is the one million New Zealanders who did not vote,now that is a serious problem and needs to be addressed by all political parties.

                                   National are back, so we believe that HNZ will continue to be down sized and that the planned 500 state houses in the city will disappear, this will have a huge impact on those seeking affordable rental accommodation. These homes are needed despite HNZ stating that there is no market for these homes ,this is wrong and those making these statements don't live here and have no idea just how tight the affordable rental market is. HNZ no longer supports struggling families despite the spin that they help those most in need,it is just nonsense and they know it. A political decision has been made to sell state housing just like what happened in the 1990,s under the Bolger National government,the policey failed to deliver cheaper accommodation and did not offer the choice that was promised. We will be keeping an eye on the government and its housing policies.

YOUR  VOTE

                       This election will be tight,every vote,yes every vote will count.The present National led government has failed to acknowledge,let alone resolve the housing crisis.At present of the households that rent their homes,nearly a quarter 23% are paying 40%of their income in rent.In contrast only 5.6% of owner occupiers paid more than 40% of their income on housing costs.Between 2010 and mid 2013,rental costs increased by 12.1% whereas mortgage payments rose only 1.1%.This  crisis in affordable housing is ensuring that future generation's will inherit accommodation problems.

Growing poverty is an issue facing the country,but lets not call it poverty,lets call it what it really is-inequality.There is a feeling that the country is adrift and that affordable housing costs don't get the attention that it deserves. It should be noted that 70% of tenancy tribunal case's are concerned with rent arrears,so what does that tell us.There has to be a review of introducing some form of rent control,as the taxpayers cant afford to carry on subsidizing private landlord's to the tune of $1.3 billion every year and with the way things are at present this will rise considerably in years to come.

So make sure you turn out to vote and to vote for change there is a better way to provide affordable rental for all New Zealander's who require it.

                          

Hi There

Don't forget to make sure are enrolled to vote in the General Election on Saturday 20th September,we need to change the government to one that is more inclusive of the wider community and is in touch with the issues that face families seeking affordable accommodation.Most of those if not all those seeking public office are well housed them self's and out of touch with the everyday problems facing tenants.At present the numbers renting their home's is increasing and is set to do so for the future but politicians only seem to interested in home ownership,there is no mention of Generation Rent when they talk about housing.

So make sure you are enrolled to vote and vote for change.

Hi There.

Once upon a time a tenant had a frying pan of sizzling bacon and eggs and went next door to grab a tomato.The unattended pan caught fire and burnt the house down,the tenants were hauled over the coals and had to recover the loss.Here in Palmerston North there have been a couple of rental properties that have been burned down in recent weeks leaving the tenants facing serious financial stress.

To avoid this it is vital that tenants take out contents insurance sometime advertised as renters insurance if they are in a position to do so.It should be noted that the majority of renters are not even aware that they need contents insurance.It is the same concept as having car insurance[ third party]. Even if you share the flat/house you are libel for the damages,even if you did not cause the problem,so it is well worth investigating the cost of a contents policy shop around.

So if you can afford it get contents insurance as contents insurance usually offers extra protection.