Voting to power housing change

Only eight months to go before Kiwis go to the polls and it is already forecast that housing - or the lack of affordable housing will be at the centre of the debate.

The situation is getting worse by the year. Two years ago, my family was looking for our own rental and had exclusive viewings of at least four properties.

Now, that sort of scenario seems an impossibility.

My own student son and his three friends are among the victims of a radically changed renting scene in Auckland. He is looking for a house with hundreds of others desperate for a roof over their heads before the start of the new semester.

He has a fall-back option of living at home for a while, but for others, especially those with family homes in other parts of the country, it is make or break.

Very little support is offered by tertiary institutions - they are on their own.

Of course it is not just students, but young families who cannot afford to buy, and have no tenancy history either. As one letting agent said: ‘‘you have very little chance unless you have a tenancy reference.’’

Presenting an application like a job CV was one tip offered another agent told me sheepishly: ‘‘Well he could always offer more money.’’

In short, it is a disgrace, with swathes of people left without the most basic of needs - a decent home.

More houses need to be built, but which party on this year’s ballot paper has the best idea and will be able to deliver?

This week, Sunday Business takes a preliminary look at what the main parties have to say about the issue.

Millions of people have used the ballot box over the last 12 months to effect radical change. In the wrong direction maybe, but change nonetheless.

This year, New Zealanders have a chance to direct voting power in a progressive direction.

With a high immigration rate expected, a big vision and fast action are required. Supplying 100,000 houses, and soon, may be a big ask. But not impossible with modern building methods and the will to win.