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City must heed lessons of World Habitat Day
CHA Media Release – Thursday 7 October 2010
Call for new Auckland City to heed lessons of World Habitat Day
The series of global events being run this week to mark World Habitat Day 2010 all present valuable lessons for the new Auckland City, says umbrella group Community Housing Aotearoa.
“Globally the focus on World Habitat Day is doubling up with the Shanghai World Expo where events throughout this week include showcasing urban best practice and forums on eco-city development, water, urban diversity, urban art and urban density – all of which are highly relevant for the future of the new Auckland, soon to be Australasia’s biggest city authority by population,” says David McCartney, executive officer of Community Housing Aotearoa.
“This year’s World Habitat theme of ‘Better City, Better Life’ is entirely appropriate for the aspirations we all have for the new Auckland City, particularly in terms of much needed improvements to the housing prospects for all those in Auckland who struggle to have a safe and secure roof to live under.
“The UN’s World Habitat focus this week emphasizes the importance of good governance to smart and sustainable cities of the future. The message that needs to get through to our local body politicians is that ignoring housing is not smart nor sustainable,” says David McCartney.
“This is a timely opportunity then to commend the Waitakere Housing Call to Action for the part it has played in calling Mayoral and council candidates in greater Auckland to account for their plans for housing through a public questionnaire.
“It was of deep concern to us that many candidates did not engage on the housing issue, and an even deeper concern that too many candidates chose to disown any responsibility for the impact that inadequate housing has on people in their communities. We can but hope the new Council, and indeed all councils throughout the country, step up to the mark on housing over the next three years.
Community Housing Aotearoa also congratulated Auckland University for the way it embraces World Habitat Day activities – as promoted by the United National Human Settlements programme (UN-HABITAT) – each year, including a popular photographic exhibition.
ends
Community Housing Aotearoa
Nga Wharerau o Aotearoa
Community Housing Aotearoa is the peak body for New Zealand's community
housing sector. Our 110 members build and manage affordable and social housing.
Our Vision is to make sure every New Zealander is well-housed in a warm, safe, dry
and affordable home. This is a basic human right.
We work to support the growth and development of community housing providers to
enable them to provide affordable and social housing.
We want to demonstrate that community housing is a critical element alongside
private and government owned housing. No one can do it alone.
Community Housing Aotearoa aims to:
- be the voice of the community housing sector
- build capacity and foster collaboration
- promote best practice in housing policy
- champion quality and excellence.
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