News Release
27 July 2012

PCC Wants Social Housing to Continue at Moana Court

At its meeting on Wednesday night Porirua City Council voted to continue to explore options for the provision of social housing services at Moana Court flats.

The 26 Moana Court flats are the only social housing owned by the Council.

In accordance with Wednesday night's resolution, the Council will continue to look at options for a better way of doing things at Moana Court, says Mayor Nick Leggett.

"Our intention has always been - and continues to be that tenants' future in their homes will be protected and not unduly affected by a new owner or manager of Moana Court."

He says Moana Court was built to provide elderly residents in financial need with a secure and low cost house, close to shopping and public transport.

"The Council is committed to ensuring that this will not change," says Mayor Leggett.

"Over the next three months the Council will be looking at options for the future management of Moana Court. There is no proposal currently on the table. As soon as there is, we will inform and consult residents first on how the Council's undertakings to preserve the flats' use as social housing will be maintained by any alternative landlord.

Mayor Leggett says there has been a lot of scaremongering going on about the future of the flats which has only served to upset residents unnecessarily.

He encourages residents to talk to the Council if they are worried about anything.

"We will be as upfront as we can and we will always come and meet with you when requested. As a signal of goodwill, the Council has released the following resolution that was passed in non-public business at Wednesday's night's meeting.

244/12 FUTURE OPTIONS FOR MOANA COURT

RESOLVED (Mayor / Ah Hoi)

1. That the Council does not adopt the recommendations contained in the
report of the 27 June 2012 Council meeting titled "Statement of proposal to Lease or Sell Moana Court - Next Steps"

2. That the Council instruct the Chief Executive to:

a) continue to explore options for the provision of social housing
services at Moana Court; and

b) report back to Council for a decision within the next 12 weeks.

c) brief the Moana Court residents and issue a statement that Council
is continuing to explore options.

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