Golden anniversary that shouldn't be celebrated

Nearly 300 families have spent more than 50 years in the same state house - a golden anniversary that should never have been celebrated, says National's Housing spokesman, David Carter.

"This is unacceptable. Allowing a privileged few to lock into state housing robs struggling families of the urgent housing they need," Mr Carter says.

Housing New Zealand statistics show that not only have 300 families spent more than 50 years in the same state house, but that 2,460 families have spent between 25 to 50 years in the same state house.

Mr Carter says that is almost 3,000 families for whom state housing is an inter-generational housing solution.

"State housing was never meant to be a long-term housing solution for a privileged few - it's a safety net for vulnerable people who desperately need assistance with housing."

Mr Carter says Labour's income-related rent housing policy has exacerbated the problem, and skyrocketing housing waiting lists prove it.

"Why would anyone want to move out of a heavily subsidised state house?"

Housing waiting lists have increased to 12,500, with 5,000 of those applicants in desperate need.

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