Housing New Zealand takes a firm stance on methamphetamine

Housing New Zealand takes a firm stance on methamphetamine

Housing New Zealand takes a firm stance on those who use or manufacture methamphetamine in its homes.

During 2014, 101 Housing New Zealand properties were found to be contaminated with methamphetamine. This represents 0.15 percent of Housing New Zealand’s portfolio of around 68,000 homes.

“The vast majority of Housing New Zealand tenants are good neighbours and respect their tenancies,” Marcus Bosch, General Manager Property Services, says.

“However, we do not tolerate criminal activity in our homes. If we find that methamphetamine is being used or manufactured we will terminate the tenancy.”

“As a social landlord and an employer, the wellbeing of staff, tenants and their neighbours is Housing New Zealand’s highest priority and we have robust health and safety controls in place for situations when methamphetamine contamination is suspected at one of our properties,” Mr Bosch says.

“All front-line Housing New Zealand staff are trained to recognise signs of possible methamphetamine manufacture and use, how to deal with tenants who may be affected by methamphetamine, and in conflict management skills to use in these situations.”

Where Housing New Zealand suspects one of its properties may be contaminated with methamphetamine, the property will always be tested and remediated as necessary. Remedial measures can range from specialised cleaning through to re-fitting a property. In some cases where contamination levels are very high the property may need to be demolished. The value of a property is carefully assessed when deciding whether it is prudent to clean or re-fit the property as opposed to demolishing it.

Anyone with concerns about potential methamphetamine contamination at a Housing New Zealand property should immediately contact our customer services centre on 0800 801 601.

ENDS

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