Grant

ROBERTSON

Deputy Leader

Wellington Central MP

17 May 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT

Government must commit to social housing in Wellington City

Wellington Central Labour MP Grant Robertson, is urging the government to make an on-going commitment to improving social housing in central Wellington, following news that most tenants of the Gordon Wilson complex have been rehoused.

"It’s great that most tenants have been relocated in the Wellington city area. The Wellington City Council had an important role in that. However, some are still waiting on appropriate accommodation or finding the idea of moving difficult.

“I am urging Housing New Zealand to be flexible with today's deadline for relocation and ask that they continue to work closely with tenants to find a solution,” Grant Robertson said.

"Housing New Zealand has a role to fulfil here that goes beyond empting the complex. It pays to keep in mind that many tenants have only been housed temporarily. They will require on-going support to adjust to new circumstances and find more permanent housing.

"The Minister of Housing now needs to turn his attention to the broader provision of social housing in central Wellington. Housing New Zealand will not commit to the future of the Gordon Wilson complex.

“What I am seeking is a guarantee that the site will continue to be used for social and affordable housing.

"Given the attitude of the National government to state housing, people in Wellington are understandably worried that they will look to sell this site.

“This can’t happen," Grant Robertson said.

ends

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