Kāinga Ora tenants can expect a tougher approach to evictions if they engage in antisocial behaviour or are late to paying rent – but some don't think a stricter attitude is the answer.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop said yesterday that Kāinga Ora has been instructed to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework and take stronger measures against persistent antisocial behaviour.
Speaking to Breakfast this morning, Auckland Action Against Poverty's Brooke Pao Stanley said the announcement was another "callous call" from a government which "continues to punish people who are poor".
"We need more public housing and more holistic support for people and families living in public housing."
Pao Stanley added it is "not just people in [Kāinga Ora] housing" who exhibit antisocial behaviour.
"That's a very normal human activity and especially as a response to the trauma of poverty."
Pao Stanley said a holistic response should be grounded in love and care for people.
"So we are always pushing for liveable incomes so people have enough money to thrive, and we are always looking at pushing for universal services, making sure that services like healthcare, public transport, and education are free and universal for all."
She added it is a "very small minority" of Kāinga Ora tenants who are causing trouble, and it is "important" to work with those families as everybody is "deserving of public housing" and housing which is affordable.
Pao Stanley said the crackdown on Kāinga Ora is "looking to increase homelessness", as people will be moved to emergency and transitional housing where there are "no criteria or conditions" to ensure the areas are safe and well for people to live in.
"What they are doing to combat antisocial behaviour is actually going to make it worse for all of us in our communities, but it is going to have a disproportionate affect on those who are already struggling the most."
But Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told Breakfast the policy was "the fair thing to do" for those affected by unruly tenants.
"We're saying to people, look, choose to hold up your obligations, meet your responsibilities.
"The vast majority of tenants do, but again we've got to call people to responsibilities."
When asked how many warnings tenants would get before they're thrown out or how many more evictions would be enforced, Luxon said it was "ultimately up to Kainga Ora".
Luxon would not say how any of the numbers would change, saying it depends on the behaviour of tenant.
"The best thing is, we're setting an expectation – change your behaviour.
"Adults get to choose their behaviour and can change their behaviour."
When asked where parents with children would be expected to go if they're evicted, Luxon said: "That may well mean living with family and friends, that may well mean living in emergency housing."
He said community housing with wraparound and pastoral care is a good option for unruly tenants.
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