MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE USE
Monday 17 January 2000
BBQ IDEA A GIMMICK THAT SHOULD NOT DISTRACT TENANTS FROM LOWER RENT PROMISE
The new Housing Minister’s proposal to give state house tenants a barbecue for ‘good behaviour’ is a gimmicky solution
to a longstanding problem.
“It should not distract attention from that fact that Labour is breaking its solemn commitment to lower rents to state
house tenants by July”, says National’s acting Housing spokesman Wyatt Creech.
“Thousands of families renting from the state have been promised cheaper rents by July by the new government. Restoring
income related rents is one of Labour Leader Helen Clark’s seven commitments she pledged to New Zealanders before the
election.
“Since lack of money is the justification this policy, the Minister should have looked more seriously at the request to
give state house tenants that looked after their properties a week long rent holiday rather than a barbecue.
“The problem these tenants face is not the lack of a barbecue, it’s shortage of money. “It is far better to give these
tenants a real incentive, not a gimmick. If the new Minister is serious about helping tenants a week long rent holiday
is a real incentive.
“These tenants are among the poorest of families in the country. They want real help from the government, not a pat on
the head and a little gift for the back yard. “While incentives to encourage people to look after their houses are not
of themselves a bad idea, this very gimmicky approach should not distract people from Labour’s commitment.
“The public also should be told what this ‘barbecue’ idea will cost. I suspect it’ll be a drop in bucket in comparison
to any real relief.
“If the Minister can’t deliver on his party’s key election promise to introduce income related rents by July, he should
be honest with state house tenants.
“If tenants are depending on this new Minister for help it looks like their trust is misguided.
ENDS