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From reporter Olivia Caldwell:
National’s proposed fix to New Zealand’s housing crisis has fallen flat with renters, some saying it solidifies it as “the party of landlords”.
National said it would re-introduce no-cause terminations if elected later this year, as well as provisions … View moreFrom reporter Olivia Caldwell:
National’s proposed fix to New Zealand’s housing crisis has fallen flat with renters, some saying it solidifies it as “the party of landlords”.
National said it would re-introduce no-cause terminations if elected later this year, as well as provisions which see fixed-term tenancies roll into periodic tenancies in most cases.
Rents have risen by an average of $175 a week since 2017, the social housing waiting list has increased to more than 23,000 and more than 3000 families live in motels.
“Labour has waged a war on landlords – with the collateral damage borne by tenants,” said National’s housing spokesperson Chris Bishop during the announcement in Queenstown on Thursday.
However, the proposed changes won’t help renters find a home or avoid extortionate rental prices in the short-term, said Queenstown Workers Collective spokesperson Simon Edmonds.
“The fact they are trying to spin this into something that will help tenants when it is policy to make landlord’s richer is just sickening.
“Landlords are charging an incredible amount of money, they are not the ones that need protected.
“And I know that they (National) are the party of landlords, but they are not the group you need to step in and protect in this town, it is the tenants.”
Edmonds suggested the biggest issue was short holiday accomodation such as Airbnb owners, which many Queenstown landlords are turning to instead of long-term rentals for workers.
This has led to a huge shortage of rentals in Queenstown. The 2018 census showed 27% of Queenstown homes were left empty for the majority of the year.
Bishop argued the proposed changes from National would encourage landlords to go back to long-term contracts for renters.
“Labour’s removal in 2021 of no-cause terminations and the near-automatic rollover of fixed-term tenancies into periodic tenancies may have been well-intentioned, but they have backfired badly, discouraging landlords from offering their properties up for rent.”
Queenstown has seen an increasing number of residents living in tents, cars and with friends.
Pete Heaney, who is on a disabilities benefit for his dyspraxia, has been living out of his van for three months at Queenstown’s 12-Mile Camping Ground, bathing in Lake Wakatipu and cooking his meals outside using a small gas stove.
Heaney hasn’t found a room to rent, but is in competition with thousands of other long-term tenants.
“I don’t know how I’m going to live here this winter.”
Alex Mennie, who works at the front office of Queenstown’s Sofitel and earns $25.50 an hour, said between his rent, bills and food he has about $100 a week to spend.
”It is worth living here, there are a lot of other renters out there suffering more than me. And there are people living out of their cars just to be here.”
Mennie said National’s plans weren’t focused on those who need help.
”It didn’t seem like they were interested in the workers at all.”
Kim Knight, who is in her 60s, has been house-sitting in Queenstown since September because she can’t find a rental. She said the market was almost impossible for a single person.
She opposed the re-introduction of the no cause termination.
“You don’t have the same energy and moveability in your 60s. It is hard for renters when we have no protection and can get booted out at any time.”
National said it would also restore interest deductibility for rental properties and restoring the bright line test to two years, down from 10 years under Labour.
“Some landlords have simply decided that the risks are too great and have exited the rental market altogether, decreasing supply and putting upward pressure on rents,” said Bishop.
“Do we need more landlords? Yes, we do. All of these changes are about balance. It is about getting the balance right, this is a pro tenancy policy.”
Edmonds was buying none of it.
“To blame the housing crisis on landlords somehow not being rich enough, that’s pretty sick.”
When you move into a Ryman village, the last thing you want to think about are your finances. From the day you move in, you’ll know how much you’re paying and what’s guaranteed to be paid back when you move out.
Ryman offers several Peace of Mind Guarantees, each one is designed to help … View moreWhen you move into a Ryman village, the last thing you want to think about are your finances. From the day you move in, you’ll know how much you’re paying and what’s guaranteed to be paid back when you move out.
Ryman offers several Peace of Mind Guarantees, each one is designed to help you feel confident and secure in your decision to move to a Ryman village. With financial certainty you can focus on enjoying the exciting everyday of life.
On Tuesday, the 25th of April we commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died for their country. But it's also an opportunity to connect and share stories about your ancestors. What does Anzac Day mean to you?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your … View moreOn Tuesday, the 25th of April we commemorate all Australians and New Zealanders who have served and died for their country. But it's also an opportunity to connect and share stories about your ancestors. What does Anzac Day mean to you?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them."
From the poem 'For the fallen' by Laurence Binyon
Don't go old-school this winter and just throw on another jersey to beat the cold. You deserve to be truly comfortable in a warm, dry home without stressing about power bills.
Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to… View moreDon't go old-school this winter and just throw on another jersey to beat the cold. You deserve to be truly comfortable in a warm, dry home without stressing about power bills.
Warmer Kiwi Homes is a government grant that offers 80% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation, and up to 80% off an energy-efficient heater, like a heat pump.
And you may get it even cheaper than that - lots of community organisations offer extra funding to reduce the cost further.
Check your eligibility, or check for your whānau, at www.warmerkiwihomes.govt.nz
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a subscription to New Zealand’s favourite lifestyle magazine, NZ House & Garden. Either gift or purchase a 1-year subscription to
NZ House & Garden for only $89, save $38!
NZ House & Garden is the authority on interiors, homes and gardens. We cross … View moreCelebrate Mother’s Day with a subscription to New Zealand’s favourite lifestyle magazine, NZ House & Garden. Either gift or purchase a 1-year subscription to
NZ House & Garden for only $89, save $38!
NZ House & Garden is the authority on interiors, homes and gardens. We cross the style boundaries — from the smallest, most beautifully crafted spaces to designer showstoppers. Then there’s the sumptuous food with recipes you’ll really want to try, carefully curated travel and all the latest homeware and shopping trends.
Happy Mother’s Day,
NZ House & Garden
Refresh an old table with a Resene Colorwood Whitewash finish.
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The 2023 General Election is to be held on Saturday 14th October 2023 - that's less than 6 months until you make your vote!
In the lead up to the election, what issues are you most wanting to hear from parties and their candidates about?
Type NFP if you want your comments excluded from … View moreThe 2023 General Election is to be held on Saturday 14th October 2023 - that's less than 6 months until you make your vote!
In the lead up to the election, what issues are you most wanting to hear from parties and their candidates about?
Type NFP if you want your comments excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
It’s your last chance to win this brand-new,, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.
Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an … View moreIt’s your last chance to win this brand-new,, fully-furnished home located just north of Auckland in the stunning beachside town of Mangawhai.
Valued at over $1.4 million and built to perfection by Jennian homes, this brand-new home features three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and boasts an open-plan kitchen, living and dining area.
Make this property your permanent residence, a holiday home, a rental or even sell it. Tickets only $15 – get in quick and purchase more tickets today.
The comparison you've been waiting for! Are you team Apple or team Samsung?!
Both companies have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to technology and it can get pretty heated. It's always best to check before you invest - so compare the pro's and con's of … View moreThe comparison you've been waiting for! Are you team Apple or team Samsung?!
Both companies have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to technology and it can get pretty heated. It's always best to check before you invest - so compare the pro's and con's of Samsung and Apple now with this easy guide.
Telecommunications are an integral part of our lives, so when things go wrong it can be frustrating. Do you prefer to keep tight lipped, or are you willing to speak up?
The Telecommunications Dispute Resolution service, or TDR for short, is here to help. It’s ok to complain and we encourage … View moreTelecommunications are an integral part of our lives, so when things go wrong it can be frustrating. Do you prefer to keep tight lipped, or are you willing to speak up?
The Telecommunications Dispute Resolution service, or TDR for short, is here to help. It’s ok to complain and we encourage you to speak up and raise issues early.
For phone and internet disputes, talk to your provider first and give them a chance to sort it. If it remains unresolved or if you need some extra help, you can talk to TDR – your free and independent complaint service.
To get in touch or find out more, visit www.tdr.org.nz or freephone 0508 98 98 98.
Just for April we're offering a very special discount on our Premium Business Listings! Usually $399*, you can grab a Premium Listing for just $199* for the whole year.
Here's five great things a Premium Listing will get you:
- up to 40,000 neighbours living around your business to … View moreJust for April we're offering a very special discount on our Premium Business Listings! Usually $399*, you can grab a Premium Listing for just $199* for the whole year.
Here's five great things a Premium Listing will get you:
- up to 40,000 neighbours living around your business to connect
- message scheduling (set and forget!)
- improved SEO (improve your online footprint!)
- fortnightly tips and tricks from the Neighbourly team to ensure your Premium Listing works for you
- support from the Neighbourly team whenever you need it
*GST additional
CDANZ estimates that around 250,000 dogs are chained up for their entire lives in Aotearoa. Animal welfare inspectors from the SPCA can do little for them and only in the most extreme cases can dogs be seized, and owners prosecuted, due to the resources involved. Do we need to have better welfare … View moreCDANZ estimates that around 250,000 dogs are chained up for their entire lives in Aotearoa. Animal welfare inspectors from the SPCA can do little for them and only in the most extreme cases can dogs be seized, and owners prosecuted, due to the resources involved. Do we need to have better welfare rules for dogs?
Type 'Not For Print' if you wish your comments to be excluded from the We Say You Say column of your local paper.
Despite being priced as high as $7.50 a pop, cheese scones are flying out the door in Christchurch – but you could pay even more.
In Queenstown, punters looking for their baking fix at Piers Restaurant and Bar are forking out an eye-watering $10 per scone.
The item is included on the … View moreDespite being priced as high as $7.50 a pop, cheese scones are flying out the door in Christchurch – but you could pay even more.
In Queenstown, punters looking for their baking fix at Piers Restaurant and Bar are forking out an eye-watering $10 per scone.
The item is included on the ‘Small Bites’ section of the menu, alongside a $10 piece of carrot cake, and more expensive than a side of smoked salmon ($9) or pork sausages ($7).
Struggling to chew on that? Stuff reporter Debbie Jamieson tried the homemade scone, which she described as “very lovely” but had “nothing to distinguish it from one I would make from the Edmonds book at home”.
The famous Edmonds cookbook, a staple in many Kiwi kitchens, includes a scone recipe that only calls for five ingredients – flour, baking powder, milk, butter and salt – and five steps in the baking method.
On Tuesday, Stuff readers were divided over the price of Christchurch café South Town Club’s $7.50 gluten-free scones, with 76% of 5550 voters saying they wouldn’t be willing to front up that much cash for the baked good.
Even Kiwi culinary icon Allyson Gofton gave her two cents on the matter, saying “people are mad to buy a scone for $7.50, whether it’s cheese or date”.
Pier Restaurant and Bar declined to comment.
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