Press Release - For immediate release Thursday 25 August 2016

SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON HOUSING

Auckland’s Housing Call to Action group has chosen to highlight the issues affecting housing that can be influenced by Auckland Council during Spotlight on Housing week from 19 - 24 September 2016.

The week comprises events and activities with the aim of raising the profile of housing and homelessness as important issues for New Zealand society. The main activity for 2016 is an online survey for candidates standing for Mayor or Councillor positions on Auckland Council. The survey results will be collated and a “scorecard on housing” produced for each candidate and publicised during Spotlight on Housing week to inform voters.

Housing Call to Action spokesperson Cissy Rock says “housing is a human right and homelessness in its many forms is becoming a huge problem in West Auckland, with the cost of rent and home ownership beyond the financial means of many families. With the pressure on state housing, and reduced numbers of houses available for people in need, this forces people to live in inadequate situations, with all the social and health problems that overcrowding and unsuitable accommodation causes as a result. The cost to society of not housing people in decent homes that are warm, dry and affordable will continue to increase with major social and health issues if we do not make it a priority to provide good housing for everyone. Council has an important role to play here and we want to enable voters to make an informed choice”.

Events and activities for Spotlight on Housing week will be publicised on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/Housingcalltoaction

All Mayoral and Councillor candidates who provided an email contact address with their nomination form will receive an email invitation to complete the survey which will close on Monday 12 September. Any candidates who have not yet received an invitation can request one by emailing housingc2a@gmail.com

A list of the questions for the survey (attached) can be found on the Housing Call to Action’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/Housingcalltoaction

ENDS

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