MPs feud over KiwiBuild couple
Senior National MP Judith Collins says any cyber-bullying suffered by a young couple who bought a KiwiBuild home is not her fault, but that of Housing Minister Phil Twyford. But Twyford has intensified the war of words, saying Collins has “no boundaries when it comes to anti-social behaviour online”.
The fiery exchange follows the launch on Saturday of the Government’s KiwiBuild programme in Papakura, part of its plan to build 100,000 affordable residential properties over the next 10 years.
Couple Fletcher Ross and Derryn Jayne, an online marketer and graduate doctor, were thrilled to move into their $649,000 fourbedroom home, but have since been subjected to hurtful online comments and have taken their social media profiles offline.
Twyford accused Collins, who is National’s spokeswoman for housing, of inciting “disgraceful” cyber-bullying in a tweet she made on Monday night.
Commenting on an Instagram shot of Ross and Jayne where he tells her “204 countries + 7 seas and I had the privilege of meeting you”, Collins said: “204 countries — maybe doesn’t need taxpayer support.” Twyford said Collins’ tweet was “essentially inciting victimisation of a . . . couple who just bought their first home”.
But Collins said she was merely making a point about KiwiBuild eligibility, and turned the blame back on Twyford for any hurtful comments about the couple.
“[He put] this young couple up as poster children for KiwiBuild homes. Other people have gone on about their personal circumstances. Certainly not me.”
Twyford hit back at Collins saying: “She . . . incited right-wing trolls to victimise this couple. She’s got to take responsibility.”