Clayton Mitchell New Zealand First MP

The Government has finally acknowledged the housing crisis. A crisis created by the irresponsible approach this Government has taken towards immigration and housing. A crisis not inevitable, but due to the Government's arrogant refusal to meet the increasing housing needs of New Zealanders.

While some new housing is finally beginning to enter the planning stages, too many New Zealanders are still in need of housing today.

And there are options between a new house build and the backseat of a car or a friend's garage that can be made available.

During the next few weeks I will continue the work I started earlier in the year; with businesses, social organisations and government agencies, to help make some of these options available.

ENDS

With press headlines highlighting the increase in our working homeless and tales of families living in cars and garages – and after more than six months of adamantly declaring there is no housing crisis – the Government has finally acknowledged the issue.

The Government is making $1 billion available to councils across New Zealand, with priority consideration for cities, like Tauranga, in most need.

Unfortunately, the Government is also handing off the responsibility for addressing this crisis to council. It's a great opportunity for council; but shows further irresponsibility by National.

There needs to be a partnership between local and national government. Offering a sum of money which will prove to be too little too late does not equate to partnership.

This current housing crisis has been created by the irresponsible approach this Government has taken towards immigration and housing. The number of immigrants allowed entry into New Zealand and the policies governing their time here has been and continues to be unsustainable.

And now $1 billion will not be enough to stem the tide, because the Government is doing nothing to change the immigration and housing policies that led us here.

While some adequate housing finally beginning to enter planning stages, too many New Zealanders are still in need of reasonable housing accommodation today.

New housing takes time, but there are a lot of options that can be made available between a new house build and the backseat of a car or a friend's garage.

During the next few weeks, I will continue the work I started earlier in the year; with businesses, social organisations and government agencies, to help make some of these options available.