Millions spent weekly in Rotorua on supplements to help pay rent
27 Apr, 2021 06:00 PM
7 minutes to read
An increasing number of Bay renters are under financial pressure amid the housing crisis and needing more assistance from Work and Income. Photo / Getty Images
An increasing number of Bay renters are under financial pressure amid the housing crisis and needing more assistance from Work and Income. Photo / Getty Images
Rotorua Daily Post
Nearly $3 million a week is being spent helping thousands of people in the Bay of Plenty keep a roof over their heads amid the region s deepening housing crisis. Thousands across the region qualify for
Millions spent weekly in Bay of Plenty on supplements to help pay rent
27 Apr, 2021 06:00 PM
6 minutes to read Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni. Photo / File
Bay of Plenty Times
Nearly $3 million a week is being spent helping thousands of people in the Bay of Plenty keep a roof over their heads amid the region s deepening housing crisis. Thousands across the region qualify for the Accommodation Supplement – a non-taxable benefit to help pay for rent, board or the costs of owning a home.
Nearly $3m a week is being paid to help pay for housing costs in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / Getty Images
Lack of play areas for kids in emergency housing prompts wellbeing concerns
19 Apr, 2021 06:00 PM
6 minutes to read
There are concerns cramped conditions in emergency housing could harm children s development. Photo / File
A lack of safe spaces for children to play in Rotorua motels used for emergency housing has some worried children s development and wellbeing will suffer long term. This follows long-held concerns that kids living in motels - potentially spending weeks in cramped conditions - are being exposed to distressing situations, with families living alongside gang members.
Official documents show ministers were warned about the risks to public safety in Rotorua a year ago, and that week-by-week motel accommodation is not so suitable for families, or those with high needs, Radio New Zealand revealed yesterday.
Dylan Thorne: Everyone losing in emergency housing crisis
19 Apr, 2021 06:39 PM
3 minutes to read
MP Todd McClay speaking at a public meeting on homelessness. Photo / File
Bay of Plenty Times
It was a gotcha moment for Rotorua National MP Todd McClay. After raising concerns about Rotorua becoming a dumping ground for out-of-town homeless for the better part of a year and having those fears dismissed by the Ministry of Social Development he could feel vindicated.
McClay has steadfastly dismissed the ministry s line that out-of-towners made up only a small percentage of the homeless living in motels.
And last week, in a moment he surely relished, he was able to say: We told you so.
Emergency housing motels no place for kids, says Tauranga dad after seven month in one-bedroom unit
19 Apr, 2021 06:00 PM
7 minutes to read
Dad of two Wayne Reid living in emergency housing at the RSA.
A motel is no place for kids, says a father of two who has been living in one as emergency housing for seven months. Wayne Reid lives in a one-bedroom unit at the Returned and Services Association in Greerton. His two boys live with him most of the time. The unit has a double and single bed.
He said his children were growing up unable to pop outside and kick a ball around, needing to stay quiet to avoid bothering other residents and confined to the unit when it rains.