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Former New Zealand First MP Shane Jones has hit out at a Kainga Ora proposal for a social housing development just off Kerikeri’s central business district.
The state building agency is still seeking consent the build 20 two and three-storey rental homes. which it says will be modern, stylish, sustainable and much-needed.
But the Kerikeri resident says intensive social housing in the heart of the far north town is not a good idea.
“Need to bear in mind, Kainga Ora is only pursuing the government’s policies. And obviously they wanted to roll out housing, but you’ve got to take account of the social and cultural impact, when you decide to substantially change the character of a suburb or an area which is why there are all these dramas in Rotorua,” Mr Jones says.
He says Kainga Ora has a track record of being bad landlords, and once the development is tenanted the community has to bear the brunt of any problems.
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