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NZUSA welcomes housing “big step”
NZUSA welcomes housing “big step”
9 July 2015
New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations
The
national student union NZUSA is cautiously welcoming
Building and Housing Minister Nick Smith’s announcement
that landlords will be required to insulate rental
properties, but says the Government must get the new law
right before it will get the union’s sign off.
NZUSA President Rory McCourt says minimum standards are long overdue and requiring retrofitting of ceiling and underfloor insulation over the next four years will both improve the health of tenants and save the lives of children and chronically sick New Zealanders.
“We’re pleased that the Government has finally acknowledged the serious problem of houses that make us sick. Now the challenge will be to get the law right, making sure all rental houses have insulation, heating and a way tenants can know if it’s safe to live in.”
Mr McCourt says the union has some ideas about how the proposal can be improved.
Specifically, the union wants the standards to include a form of cost-efficient heating, such a heat pump, and for houses to be only rented out after being independently certified as not being damaging to the health of tenants.
“The Government has taken a big step and we look forward to working with them to get this law right through the select committee process.”
Mr McCourt says the adoption of NZUSA’s ideas shows the value of the national union and that progress for students can take place under a National government when students work together.
ENDS
NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations
We stand for opportunity, for all.
NZUSA is the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations, the national body that represents New Zealand's students' associations and the interests of New Zealand's 400,000 students at universities, polytechnics and in trades training.
We conduct original research, advocate to Government and through the media, and support New Zealand's students' associations to be more effective on behalf of their members. We advocate alongside Te Mana Akonga – The National Māori Students' Association, and Tertiary Women New Zealand – The NZUSA Women's Caucus.
Since 1929, we've believed in a society rich in opportunity, where anyone from anywhere can become any thing. We support accessible, affordable quality public tertiary education.
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