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February 24, 2016
Tenancies bill will do nothing for child health
Waatea Team
Posted On February 24, 2016
Greens co-leader Metiria Turei says the Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill now before a select committee falls well short of what’s needed.
Submissions are overwhelmingly in favour of a warrant of fitness for housing covering more than just insulation.
Ms Turei has her own bill in the ballot that would impose minimum standards for rental housing, including insulation, ventilation and sanitation.
She says a submission from the Children’s Commissioner highlighted the importance of quality housing.
"Fifteen children will die every years from conditions that are made worse by cold, damp housing. Legislation can save lives or do nothing and at the moment the way it is structured it is likely likely to do nothing," Ms Turei says.
Maori providers have highlighted the fact tamariki Maori are disproportionately at risk from respiratory and other diseases made worse by poor housing.
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