Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

It's time this Government stopped spinning disaster as success.

New Zealand First has been saying from the beginning; our state houses should not be sold off. Government, not business – especially not foreign business – should be charged with the care of our vital resources.

The focus should instead be on creating more state housing.

By all of the rhetoric Mr. Simon Bridges is spinning about apartment complexes, it seems clear that his idea of increasing state housing is to build up.

Instead of the three-plus storied apartment complexes that have been discussed; semi-detached, two-story dwellings that retain a garden area could be a more efficient use of land that continues to provide residents with quality of life.

Conversely, three (or more) story apartment complexes with more than 20 units would significantly decrease quality of life, increase depression and crime rates and create perpetual ghettos.

What the Government needs is an integrated housing plan for Tauranga that requires all new developments to include state-housing. This would begin the much needed increase of available social housing, prevent the formation of ghettos and retain a dignified quality of life for our residents.

It's time we started working on real solutions to meet the real needs of our residents. It's time to get real.