Meeting Calls For Auckland City Council To Look At Christchurch City Council And To End Sales Plans

17th May 2002

A public meeting of nearly 100 people called for Auckland City Council to stop the sales of its residential and pensioner housing, and instead look to Christchurch City Council as a good example of how a local authority can provide and manage housing.

The Council Housing Action Group, who organised the meeting on 15th May, will write to the Mayor John Bank and Auckland City Councillors asking that the Council investigate how Christchurch City Council manages its large housing stock so effectively and with cross party approval.

Many pensioners from sites across the city who were at the meeting said they would spread the word about the depth of feeling which was expressed at the meeting and of the need to get organised.

Dr Maree Todd, president of the New Zealand Association of Gerontology, spoke of the need for the Council to plan instead for an ageing society, and for the subsequent increase in demand for low cost rental housing of a dignified standard, that was not generally available in the private sector.

The Council was also accused of rushing through such a major and controversial decision without taking heed of public opinion, nor waiting for the outcomes of the limited public input allowed under the draft annual plan consultation process. 13 vacant residential properties are now on the market, and all residential tenants are now being given the opportunity to buy their unit as long as they confirm their intention by 27th May and complete sales by the end of July. The deadline for submissions on the draft annual plan is 24th May with the Council announcing the final annual plan at the end of June.

John Tamihere MP stated that he would report back to the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, MP and indicated that Auckland MPs should pay more attention to the situation.

The Council Housing Action Group will be represented at a large rally, called by Wake Up Auckland, at 5.30pm, Thursday 23rd May, outside the Town Hall, before the Council meeting which starts at 6pm.

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