Housing NZ Mandate Bill Progresses

A new law authorising ministers to transfer Housing NZ properties to social housing providers has been sent to select committee.

The first reading of the Social Housing Reform (Transaction Mandate) Bill was completed by 63 to 58 with National, Maori Party, ACT and United Future in support. It was sent to the Social Service Committee for consideration.

Paula Bennett said the Government was committed to the provision of social housing. The bill would authorise ministers to transfer Housing NZ properties to social housing providers and to allow Housing NZ to support those providers.

The bill would ensure Public Works Act provisions and “offer back” rights do not apply to the transfers.

Ms Bennett said it was the Government’s intent to encourage more diverse and innovative provision of social housing with an initial transaction to cover up to 2000 properties to community housing providers.

Labour’s Phil Twyford said the party would oppose the bill as it gave ministers extraordinary powers to sell off state houses at any price, while sidestepping Housing NZ advice, financial accountability and legal challenge.

MPs then returned to the first reading of the Health Practitioners (Replacement of Statutory References to Medical Practitioners) Bill.

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