REINZ welcomes state and social housing announcement

Bindi Norwell, Chief Executive at REINZ says: “We welcome the announcement from the Housing Minister, Phil Twyford, that an additional 6,400 state and social homes will be built around New Zealand over the next four years as the number of people living in vehicles, garages, overcrowded houses and insecure housing is estimated to be more than 40,000.

“By 2022 this means that an additional 6,400 households will no longer have to struggle their way through another cold winter by being vulnerable to the elements. It means they will have a safe and secure roof over their heads,” continues Norwell.

“While this move will go some way to trying to solve New Zealand’s homelessness issue, it still falls well short of the total number of people on waiting lists or living in unsuitable conditions, so we would urge the government to see what it can do to increase these numbers where possible. Additionally, it is important that something is done to reduce red tape in order for these homes to be built as quickly as possible,” concludes Norwell.

ENDS

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