Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
MP for Maungakiekie

17 May 2013

Media Statement

Government acts on housing affordability in Auckland

Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, MP for Maungakiekie, has welcomed the first reading of the Housing Accords and Special Housing Areas Bill in Parliament yesterday.

This bill and the Accord with Auckland Council will deliver thousands of new homes for Auckland by streamlining the planning and consenting process and getting Government and Council working more closely together on housing development.

“Housing has become a real issue in Auckland and I want to thank the Minister of Housing, Hon Dr Nick Smith, for delivering a workable set of solutions to the supply and affordability issues Auckland is facing.”

“Under this Accord, we are looking at building 39,000 homes over the next 3 years in Auckland. This is far greater than the average of 3,600 over the last 3 years and will go a long way to delivering more affordable houses for Auckland families to buy or rent.” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“Labour oversaw a period from 1999 and 2008 where average Auckland house prices grew by 91%. Inflation went from just above 0% in 2000, to over 3% in 2008 and interest rates went from 3% to 8%. It is no wonder hard working New Zealand families were unable to get onto the property ladder.”

“Compare that to this National-led Government, we have delivered the lowest interest rates for over 50 years, the lowest inflation since 1999 and consistent economic growth despite the global financial crisis.”

“During the many public meetings I have hosted in my electorate of Maungakiekie on the Auckland draft Unitary Plan, housing has been one of the most hotly debated issues. It is pleasing to see we are getting some action and consensus in this area to alleviate the problems we are facing.” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

“Not only are we addressing the issue of land supply through this bill, we are launching an inquiry into building materials and construction costs, we are making substantive changes to the Resource Management Act (RMA), working on development levies and better coordination on delivering infrastructure to support new housing.”

“I welcome the bill being referred to the Social Services Select Committee. As Chairman of that committee, I look forward to hearing from submitters and taking part in the debate as the bill progresses through Parliament.” Mr Lotu-Iiga says

--ENDS—

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