State house sell-off ends - good news for PSA members and tenants

The government’s halt to state house sell-offs is a welcome development and signals the end of a damaging policy, the PSA says.

Housing Minister Phil Twyford says a planned transfer of up to 2500 homes in Christchurch will now not go ahead, and there will be no more large-scale sale or transfer of Housing New Zealand homes.

PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay says the swift implementation of Labour’s election manifesto promise is good news for New Zealand.

"A survey of our members earlier this year showed how central an issue housing is to all public and community service workers.

"In the middle of a housing crisis, selling off state homes to private providers was bad policy, and we are glad this has come to an end.

"We are also pleased at assurances no jobs will be lost as the team responsible for these transfers is wound up.

"This announcement brings certainty both for affected members and for Housing New Zealand tenants."

Mr Barclay also welcomed the update on the establishment of a new Housing Commission, and creation of a temporary Kiwibuild unit within MBIE.

ENDS

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