2nd February 2012
The Suburban Land Grab
New Zealand is on a fast track to become a complete basket case; it is irresponsible for a government to even
contemplate the selling off state land the state housing stock actually sits on.
The selling off this real estate has created a land grab, which will have massive social implications that will easily
match conditions of the 1930’s for the 69,000 families desperate for affordable state accommodation. These families are
living in areas of deprivation already.
How can anyone expect these families to ever pay market rents as they are forced into the private sector rental market
and having to deal with Iwi Trusts, church controlled housing and charities?
Private sector rental housing is at a premium, how can these desperate families hope to compete with applicants who are
prepared to pay well above the recognized market rental $600.00 plus per week. Suburban rent increases at this time are
reported to be 28%.
This government must not continue down a narrow path of accelerating capital gains for the property developer whilst
entrenching poverty for so many New Zealand families who truly need a state house.
ENDS