by Selwyn Manning

A tenancy group of mainly Pacific Island women are demanding a meeting with Housing New Zealand - citing condensation, dampness, mould and cold drafts as reasons for the state agency to make immediate repairs to their homes.

The Mercy House Women's Advocacy Group believe their Housing New Zealand homes are not safe or healthy environments. The Group surveyed 42 homes in Glen Innes, questioning mothers on how their accommodation effects their children’s health.

The survey found 98 percent of those questioned reported poorly maintained housing and half thought this affected their health.

Those questioned also raised concerns about child pedestrian safety, overcrowding, delays by Housing New Zealand in fixing problems and the way its staff treat tenants.

Housing New Zealand reportedly considers the properties safe. It plans to meet the Group.

Labour Housing spokesperson, Graham Kelly, today said he has asked for a meeting with Housing New Zealand managers also.

Mr Kelly says there is a reported link between poor housing, overcrowding, and a higher rate of hospital admissions - especially with children suffering from Meningitis and other infectious and respiratory diseases.

For more, refer to Scoop articles and investigations at these links:

Housing NZ To Meet Labour Housing Spokesperson http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK9907/S00133.htm

Auckland Meningitis Worst in Developed World http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK9907/S00113.htm

Auckland Public Health Warning on Meningitis http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK9907/S00114.htm

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