Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

With so much bad news and a worsening local housing situation, it's a pleasure to be able to report a little good news for one working Tauranga family.
Local 'Mum' works as a study-support teacher, as an after-hours cleaner, and volunteers at the Community Centre. She has six children, ranging from eight to 19. Her eldest works as a sand/water blaster and painter, and her next two, high-school students, work part-time at Pizza Hut and New World.
They've been moving from place to place since finding themselves homeless, until recently being told they would need to vacate their motel room home of six weeks, for pre-booked guests.
'Mum' came into the New Zealand First office in Grey Street, and we knew straight away that this was another case of the working homeless in Tauranga.
We have been working together with local organisations to help people in her situation, and had recently reached out to members of the kiwifruit industry.
With the season coming to an end, and RSE workers getting ready to head back to the islands, a conversation let us know about a possible emergency housing option about to open up for a few months.
We immediately thought of 'Mum' and were able to make an introduction, which has led to a win for the local team
'Mum' and her kids are now in a beautiful house in Greerton, and able to buy themselves some time to look for a longer-term solution – while also getting the opportunity to generate another invaluable landlord's reference, to help in their search.
We know it's only for a short term, and the struggle continues in the housing crisis. New Zealand First will keep working for change on the national level, but we also think it's important to celebrate any points in the local win column.