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.
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.
Sample survey shows 21 per cent in Rotorua s emergency housing are out-of-towners
16 Apr, 2021 07:00 PM
8 minutes to read
Rotorua MP Todd McClay says the Ministry of Social Development owes Rotorua some answers. Photo / Andrew Warner
Rotorua MP Todd McClay says the Ministry of Social Development owes Rotorua some answers. Photo / Andrew Warner
New sample survey figures show 21 per cent of those living in Rotorua s emergency housing are not from the city, prompting Rotorua MP Todd McClay to tell the Government we told you so . The Ministry of Social Development sample survey counted a third of people getting emergency housing payments, but the exact number of out of towners cannot be counted because it is too time consuming, the ministry says.