Simon Bridges National Party Leader simonbridges.co.nz

In National's last term of government we transferred Tauranga's state housing stock to Accessible Properties, the old IHC. This was about doing a better job for those in state housing and ensuring more families had a roof over their heads.

We can see the benefits of this in the two old state houses across the road from the hospital that were turned into six new houses for people in need of a home.

The old state houses were tired and worn out. The new houses are fantastic, fit-for-purpose homes that more people will benefit from. Why have one person living in a large rundown house on a section far too big for them when many more people can benefit from the same space?

One woman I met going into a new home was understandably emotional about her new place. Another, my old friend Raymond, who was in an old state house was also clearly excited about his new home.

This project is what we need to see more of across Tauranga's old state housing stock, which Accessible Properties looks after. It can be a real part of our local housing solution.

Accessible Properties has big plans. I hope the Labour-led Government will get over its ideological aversion to the idea that everything with a social good has to be government-run and back this work.

Partnerships between government and community organisations have the power to transform.