30 October 2012

Media release

Accessible housing fundamental to family and Whānau success

The Families Commission says there are no silver bullets but the release yesterday of the Government’s response to the Productivity Commission’s recommendations on affordable housing is an important step in the right direction.

“Quality, affordable housing is a priority and vitally important for the health and wellbeing of families and Whānau,” says Carl Davidson, Chief Families Commissioner.

“Looking at how the whole supply chain impacts on housing quality and affordability, is absolutely the right way to approach the challenges in the housing sector.

“Anything the Government can do to reduce the barriers to housing for New Zealanders struggling to provide themselves with a comfortable and healthy home to bring up children and support their families will be welcomed.

“The problems of inadequate levels of housing in some of our communities are real and significant. Not only is it unreasonable for those directly involved but the flow-on effects of poor housing quality affect all of us through higher health costs, poor education outcomes and lower productivity in the workforce.”

The Families Commission also provided a submission on the Productivity Commission Housing Affordability Enquiry.

“This report provides strong direction to enable the housing market to better meet the needs of middle and low income New Zealander’s and we look forward to engaging with agencies and communities to make progress,” said Mr Davidson.

“The Commission is ready to play its part in protecting and strengthening our children and families.”

ENDS

The Families Commission provided a submission on the Productivity Commission Housing Affordability Enquiry and this can be found at http://www.familiescommission.org.nz/publications/submissions/submission-on-housing-affordability.

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