Leaky homes has have far-reaching social implications

New Zealand Christian Network, visionnetwork, says the leaky leaky-homes crisis has dragged on for far too long, and has far-reaching implications for poverty.

“The lack of decision by councils and Government is leaving ordinary Kiwis in a position they should never be in,” says NZCN NZ Christian Network National Director Glyn Carpenter.

Some estimates put the cost of fixing the many thousands of affected homes as high as $23 billion.

The Prime Minister, John Key, says Cabinet will consider a proposed solution for leaky home owners very soon. There was widespread anger at a previous proposal that homeowners who dropped legal action would agree to shoulder about 64 per cent of the cost of repairs and councils 26 per cent, with the Government chipping in 10 per cent.

Mr Carpenter said it’s time for both Government and local government bodies to take leadership and do better.

“I heard this week of a woman who had to spend $450,000 fixing the problems on her the house, that she’s owned for only six months.

“A large part of the problem can be sheeted back to the Government’s 1991 change in the building regulations which allowed untreated timber and untried construction methods, and local councils who did not carry out adequate inspections.

“I am aware also of small-scale developers who have followed the regulations to the letter of the law but have been left dealing with distraught clients.

“While a few owners may be able to afford the repairs, the majority are finding themselves in a financial crisis, with its associated stress – a crisis that was not of their making. but tThey are apparently being expected to find the largest part amount of the money to fix the problems.

“Many will find themselves in poverty as a consequence, or living in unhealthy or substandard accommodation.

“This is being called the worst man-made disaster in New Zealand’s history, and the long-term implications are substantial,” Mr Carpenter says.

New Zealand Christian Network, visionnetwork, is a broad-spectrum network of churches and Christian leaders, with a Board of Reference which includes leaders from all the main denominations. It seeks to present a biblically orthodox position on issues, reflecting the views of the majority of Christians in New Zealand.

ENDS

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