Wellington community housing organisation, Dwell Housing Trust, recently received some negative press as a result of one of their homes being closed and the tenants being relocated to new homes. This was a very difficult situation for Dwell to handle and, despite handling the situation with sensitivity and with considerable thought for tenant welfare, as Dwell CEO Alison Cadman says: “not all publicity is good publicity.”
On the eve of her departure from TPA, Helen Gatonyi gives some advice for tenant advocates.
Helen Gatonyi came to TPA for a six month contract and stayed for 25 years. This week TPA’s Manager will be leaving to take up new opportunities. I asked her what advice she would give a new tenant advocate- and this is what she said:
“It’s all about the human story when you’re working as an advocate. How you hear the story and work with that person to address what’s going on,” says Helen. “It’s hearing with an open ear and being aware of what’s being held back- that’s what works best in an advocate, listening with respect.”
In this issue we have a new member profile: Christchurch Tenants Protection Association, we learn how to be a great advocate for tenants from Helen Gatonyi who leaves TPA today after 25 years and we have an update on methamphetamine contamination in rental accommodation, amongst other news.
Tenancy law changes covering smoke alarms, insulation, enforcement of standards and property abandonment come into effect tomorrow.
The City Housing Team at Wellington City Council has an opportunity to make a genuine difference for a passionate, people-oriented and solution-focused person prepared to take on the challenge of Tenancy Advisor.
The growing issue of methamphetamine contamination is challenging landlords across New Zealand and Australia. The Australasian Housing Institute in collaboration with Housing New Zealand and Community Housing Aotearoa recently hosted a presentation to share the Housing New Zealand’s approach to managing meth contamination across its national portfolio. A report on this 9 June event follows.
A project to improve fire safety for supported housing is on track for completion by the end of the year. It is part of MBIE’s Fire Programme.
Through the warm and dry programme, all Housing New Zealand properties will, where required, have a warm and dry assessment and intervention, completed on them.
In April, CHA Director Scott Figenshow wrote to Minister for Social Housing Paula Bennett with a proposal to stimulate new social and affordable housing production by converting Housing Innovation Fund term loans to equity.
Every fortnight Geoff Simmons talks with Jesse Mulligan on RNZ’s Afternoons programme about a variety of economic issues. This week they cover the housing bubble. Will it burst?
