Catchpole Calls For Healthy Houses
New Zealand First MP Brent Catchpole is calling on the Housing Minister to do something about the overcrowding and poor
housing contributing to the disturbing explosion of TB outbreaks in the Auckland region.
“There has been a 20 percent increase in TB cases in the region and it is proven that poor housing conditions play a
major role in the spread of this highly contagious disease. It is time for action, not empty promises,” said Mr
Catchpole.
“In 1999 Labour promised to rebuild the state housing stock to reverse National’s short-sighted asset sales. Now, nearly
five years later, it is clear that Labour’s indifference to this critical aspect of social policy simply isn’t good
enough as evidenced by this rapid rise in TB cases.
“Not only is this government letting third world diseases into New Zealand, it is failing to provide the basic housing
standards needed to prevent the disease spreading.
“Where are the healthy houses Minister?” asked Mr Catchpole.