MP slams housing delay

Four years of delays in getting houses built on public land in Cannons Creek is hurting families, Mana MP Kris Faafoi says.

Twenty-seven ageing Housing New Zealand homes were demolished in 2008 and 2009 in the Castor Crescent loop.

Since then the land has lain empty, which Mr Faafoi believes is a slap in the face to families on a waiting list for state housing.

‘‘These delays have meant families in desperate need of a home have missed out, been forced into expensive private rentals or been forced to live in crowded conditions,’’ he says.

A Housing New Zealand spokesperson says the corporation received no acceptable proposals to develop the land.

‘‘ Expressions of interest relating to the redevelopment of Castor Loop were issued in March 2012 . . . Following a limited viable response to this request, we are now reviewing our redevelopment strategy.’’

Habitat for Humanity was approached by Housing New Zealand to discuss the charity buying four or five sections, says Gill Burns, the charity’s lower North Island resource development manager.

However, Habitat for Humanity would have been unable to make payments to Housing New Zealand for 10 years.

The Housing New Zealand spokesperson confirmed there are now no plans to work with Habitat for Humanity.