November 23rd, 2024
Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced a significant shift in policy for Kāinga Ora – Homes & Communities, directing the state housing authority to terminate its Sustaining Tenancies Framework, according to a media release yesterday.
This decision, aimed at tackling persistent antisocial behaviour among tenants, comes as part of a broader strategy to refocus the organisation's priorities.
The big picture: Bishop, alongside Finance Minister Nicola Willis, issued an interim Letter of Expectations to the Kāinga Ora Board, outlining a redefined set of core functions. These include intensifying the management of disruptive tenants, addressing the rise in rental arrears, promptly tenanting vacant properties, achieving social housing delivery targets, and ensuring value for money and necessary savings.
Zoom in: The Sustaining Tenancies Framework, criticised for allowing tenants to remain in Kāinga Ora properties despite engaging in threatening or disruptive behaviour, is to be discontinued. Bishop highlighted the framework's failure, citing 335 serious complaints per month, ranging from intimidation to threatening behaviour, with only three tenancies terminated for disruptive conduct throughout 2023.
Why it matters: This policy shift aims to address the growing discontent among New Zealanders and neighbours of Kāinga Ora tenants, who have expressed concerns over the impact of antisocial behaviour. With over 25,000 people on the social housing waitlist, the government's stance is clear: prioritise those in need over individuals who misuse their housing privileges.
Details: Bishop also pointed to escalating rental arrears, with tenant debt to Kāinga Ora increasing from $1 million in 2017 to $21 million in 2023. The number of tenants in arrears nearly doubled during the same period. Addressing this issue forms part of Kāinga Ora's revised mandate.
Between the lines: The decision reflects commitments made in the National-ACT coalition agreement and anticipates the outcomes of an independent review led by Sir Bill English. The government's interim measures aim to realign Kāinga Ora's focus ahead of further guidance expected later this year.
What's next: Kāinga Ora is also tasked with enhancing community engagement concerning its development plans, in response to concerns over the loss of social licence for social housing, according to the government media release.
The government's updated Letter of Expectations, incorporating findings from Sir Bill English's forthcoming report, will outline the next steps in this major policy overhaul.