The Manawatu Tenants Union has noticed a large increase in the number of families seeking advice and for somewhere to call home.Housing New Zealand intends to reduce its housing stock in the city by 504 homes on the grounds that there is no need for state houses,they are wrong but these decisions are made by officials who dont live in the city or the central region itself.The impact of the loss of 504 affordable will have a huge impact on the city and its plans for growth,yet the PNCC have made no statement on this issue.It should be noted that these homes will NOT be rebuilt at all,the city of Palmerston North can not afford to lose this number of affordable homes, they are all occupied at present,well most of them. The issue of earthquake risks is still on going, to date they have started to demolish a number of state homes in Rugby/ Raleigh Streets,there are a number still awaiting a notice to see if and when they will be demolished.If they keep them vacant for long enough they will become to big a problem to make fit for purpose,so knocking them over will be the only outcome.
Housing New Zealand itself has become a problem,a serious one for an increasing number of families seeing affordable accommodation around the city.The government has built a Berlin Wall around the eligibility rules making it a no go area for many tenants,they are told to seek emergency accommodation if at all possible,here in Palmerston North there is no emergency accommodation for families there has not been any emergency family accommodation for 15 years or more.
Housing is an election issue this time around so make sure you are on the electoral roll and use your vote to change things the present housing policies are failing a growing number of New Zealanders,it is within your power to turn it around for the wider public good,this is in everyones interests.
Manawatu Tenants Union
Hi There.
On Thursday 1st.May the Community Services Council in partnership with The Housing Monitoring Group ran a forum on "Housing the Vulnerable",the forumwas held in the Hancock Community House,King Street.Given the present crisis in affordable housing around the city it was encouraging to see so many people at the forum.It would appear that homelessness is a situation,spiraling out of control,we see it everyday,the risk of being made homeless is on the increase.
While the Salvation Army provides a hostel for men,their womans hostel closed due to funding issues.The Shepherds Rest Trust operates housing services,for those in dire circumstances and are their accommodation is usually full.There is no emergency housing for families in the city or a night shelter for men,both are needed in a city of our size.
With an election coming up,the most pressing matters for low income families is the lack of affordable accommodation,Housing New Zealand is disappearing bit by bit and the demand for affordable housingoutstrips supply.Future generations of tenants will inherit these failing policies,unless there is a change in government policy or a change in government.
On Thursday 1st.May the Community Services Council in partnership with The Housing Monitoring Group ran a forum on "Housing the Vulnerable",the forumwas held in the Hancock Community House,King Street.Given the present crisis in affordable housing around the city it was encouraging to see so many people at the forum.It would appear that homelessness is a situation,spiraling out of control,we see it everyday,the risk of being made homeless is on the increase.
While the Salvation Army provides a hostel for men,their womans hostel closed due to funding issues.The Shepherds Rest Trust operates housing services,for those in dire circumstances and are their accommodation is usually full.There is no emergency housing for families in the city or a night shelter for men,both are needed in a city of our size.
With an election coming up,the most pressing matters for low income families is the lack of affordable accommodation,Housing New Zealand is disappearing bit by bit and the demand for affordable housingoutstrips supply.Future generations of tenants will inherit these failing policies,unless there is a change in government policy or a change in government.
THE ELECTION.
The National led government have announced that the general election will take place on September 20th,so we would to encourage all tenants to make sure they are on the electoral roll or the Maori roll so you can have your say as to which political party you would like to see run the country.The choice is in your hands, so make sure you vote as it will have an impact on you and your family and will shape the future of New Zealand. It is very important to remember that many New Zealanders fought and died so that you can have your say in who will govern your country.The Manawatu Tenants Union will keep you up with the play on the various political parties housing policies and will make comment on other social policies which will impact on everyone.So dont forget to enroll and have your say on the day.
The National led government have announced that the general election will take place on September 20th,so we would to encourage all tenants to make sure they are on the electoral roll or the Maori roll so you can have your say as to which political party you would like to see run the country.The choice is in your hands, so make sure you vote as it will have an impact on you and your family and will shape the future of New Zealand. It is very important to remember that many New Zealanders fought and died so that you can have your say in who will govern your country.The Manawatu Tenants Union will keep you up with the play on the various political parties housing policies and will make comment on other social policies which will impact on everyone.So dont forget to enroll and have your say on the day.
Hi There.
While there is much talk about the recovery.there is less said about a fair one,which helps those most in need.So it is good to see rental housing getting the coverage it deserves,as there is a serious housing crisis.
Affordability is an issue,as rents continue to increase and take a bigger slice of household incomes.There is a shortage of decent affordable housing around the city,which is in contrast to the statements put out by Housing New Zealand,concerning their low waiting list.The main reason for the low waiting lists is the tight rules accessing a state house.Very few people are able to meet the criteria.Basically you need to be homeless with young children to get an interview by telephone to see if you are eligible,it is tough.
While the government appear to be unconcerned about the plight of families seeking state housing.There are around 90 vacant state houses around the city,which are being vandalized. It should be noted that the taxpayers pick up the bill for the alarm systems installed and for the security firms to monitor these state homes.
Central government should be looking at ways to lease these homes if they no longer wish to use them for struggling families.They appear to have lost the vision and the social value of the state housing system,private landlords still control 85%of the rental accommodation in New Zealand,but they are never going to become a provider of last resort,the state has an obligation to ensure that all New Zealanders have a place to call home.
While there is much talk about the recovery.there is less said about a fair one,which helps those most in need.So it is good to see rental housing getting the coverage it deserves,as there is a serious housing crisis.
Affordability is an issue,as rents continue to increase and take a bigger slice of household incomes.There is a shortage of decent affordable housing around the city,which is in contrast to the statements put out by Housing New Zealand,concerning their low waiting list.The main reason for the low waiting lists is the tight rules accessing a state house.Very few people are able to meet the criteria.Basically you need to be homeless with young children to get an interview by telephone to see if you are eligible,it is tough.
While the government appear to be unconcerned about the plight of families seeking state housing.There are around 90 vacant state houses around the city,which are being vandalized. It should be noted that the taxpayers pick up the bill for the alarm systems installed and for the security firms to monitor these state homes.
Central government should be looking at ways to lease these homes if they no longer wish to use them for struggling families.They appear to have lost the vision and the social value of the state housing system,private landlords still control 85%of the rental accommodation in New Zealand,but they are never going to become a provider of last resort,the state has an obligation to ensure that all New Zealanders have a place to call home.
Hi There.
Changes to social housing is all set to take place on 14 th April 2014. If you are a HNZ tenant or on their waiting list they will be in touch with you by letter about the changes and how they will impact on your tenancy.
The main change is that MSD the Ministry of of Social Development will be taking over from HNZ and they will be handling all applications and will be doing the assessments for those seeking state housing.
Income-related rents for state house tenants will now be extended to those registered non government and community housing providers.
On that date 14th April you will see tenancy reviews introduced to all state house tenants,I belive that pensioner and special needs housing will not be effected by the introduction of these reviews.Its the usual spin to make sure that those with the greatest need, get priority so nothing changes there,however they will still be reviewed to see if their circumstances have changed.. This will see a downsizing of HNZ staff members but it is hoped that they will be offered the opportunity to work at MSD as they have a lot of knowledge on how the housing system works.
We will be keeping an eye on the new system and how it is working for tenants.
Changes to social housing is all set to take place on 14 th April 2014. If you are a HNZ tenant or on their waiting list they will be in touch with you by letter about the changes and how they will impact on your tenancy.
The main change is that MSD the Ministry of of Social Development will be taking over from HNZ and they will be handling all applications and will be doing the assessments for those seeking state housing.
Income-related rents for state house tenants will now be extended to those registered non government and community housing providers.
On that date 14th April you will see tenancy reviews introduced to all state house tenants,I belive that pensioner and special needs housing will not be effected by the introduction of these reviews.Its the usual spin to make sure that those with the greatest need, get priority so nothing changes there,however they will still be reviewed to see if their circumstances have changed.. This will see a downsizing of HNZ staff members but it is hoped that they will be offered the opportunity to work at MSD as they have a lot of knowledge on how the housing system works.
We will be keeping an eye on the new system and how it is working for tenants.
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