Housing Shortage Needs To Be Addressed: Manukau Mayor

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says the housing shortage in Manukau city needs to be addressed.

“The recently released Into Troubled Waters state of the nation report from the Salvation Army has again highlighted the need to do something about the serious issue of lack of housing, particularly within Manukau,” says Mr Brown.

“The report states that in Manukau city alone the shortage is around 1200.”

”Overcrowding in Manukau homes is a known fact, which increases the pressures on families, makes it difficult for children to learn, and also impacts on the fabric of a dwelling. A home built for a family of six cannot easily accommodate 12 people. There is a compelling need provide housing which people can afford and is developed at a pace to meet demand.

Manukau City Council has identified sites and prepared work for new housing to be built. We are now awaiting decisions by the government as to if and when this can take place”

Mr Brown says, “Manukau City Council is committed and ready to work with the government and Housing New Zealand Corporation. This includes a significant housing development of mixed tenure, which will provide affordable housing in the Weymouth/Waimahia areas.

“I have written to the Minister of Housing, Phil Heatley for an update on progress with regards to the Weymouth/Waimahia development because I believe it is crucial for our people and our communities to know that we are working to ensure there are opportunities for people to have access to housing,” says Mr Brown.

“Our council is also committed to working with the appropriate organisations on ways that we can maximise resources through the Manukau City Council Town Centre developments.

“While there has been some progress made already, we still need to do more,” says Mr Brown.

“We want to ensure that our communities have access to affordable housing and I will continue to advocate for greater progress as we look to address this serious housing shortage.”

Mr Brown was also concerned about other aspects of the Salvation Army report stating that some 13.6 per cent of the 9,080 children born in Manukau in 2007, were born to families in the two lowest decile areas.

“All our children should have by right an adequate standard of living. However, it is pleasing to see that our efforts to improve the provision of early childhood education, is beginning to show results.

“This is a priority area for Manukau City Council” says Mr Brown.

“At the other end of the education spectrum the council, in partnership with others is about to launch a new youth initiative aimed at some of the 3,500 to 4,000 students who leave school each year.

“There are a large number of young people who have left school prior to 2010 who are not in further education, training, employment, or other meaningful activity. Potentially, there are 1200 to 1500 young people each year that would need or appreciate transition assistance, which is what we are seeking to do,” says Mr Brown.

ENDS

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