Political clash over homelessness
LUKE KIRKEBY
The South Waikato won’t see anything from the Government’s $100 million package to fight homelessness in New Zealand.
MP for Taupo¯ - Louise Upston [National Party] has been coordinating a series of Tokoroa based meetings with government agencies, community organisations, and the South Waikato District Council to come up with a short term solution to the issue.
‘‘Unfortunately the minister confirmed there was no funding at all for Tokoroa,’’ she said.
‘‘It’s become clear that homelessness is only being addressed in the larger centres and that this Government doesn’t care about those living in the smaller rural areas.’’
Housing Minister Phil Twyford said the Government was doing all it could to help but admitted the focus was on larger centres because ‘‘that’s where the need is greatest’’.
‘‘We want every New Zealander in need to have a warm, dry, safe home, especially over the coming winter months. Noone should be sleeping under a bridge,’’ he said.
He said the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) had six transitional housing places, capable of supporting 24 families each year, available in the South Waikato area.
Upston accepted that there were housing pressures all over New Zealand but she did not think that where a person lived should determine whether they were provided with support from central government.
‘‘I am going to push again because I don’t think it is good enough,’’ she said
Twyford said the places already in South Waikato offered more than accommodation.
‘‘MSD’S providers also offer social support to help people access and sustain long-term accommodation,’’ he said.
Upston agreed that homelessness was not a new issue this winter but said it was getting worse which prompted her to organise the meetings.
‘‘There are between 35 to 40 people who are rough sleepers, sleeping in the street and under bridges in Tokoroa, and we think there is the same number again potentially sleeping in cars and things like that,’’ she said.
‘‘What we have been trying to do is get information about what assistance is available and from who. We’ve now got a summary of that and what those [various organisations] are asking for from the community in terms of donations.’’
Twyford urged homeless people in places like Tokoroa to contact Work and Income for help.
He said ideally people would be placed in permanent housing but if there was none available MSD would look at transitional housing or motels if need be.