Candidate Colin Meurk answers Renters United’s questions

VOTE HOUSING: LOCAL BODY 2022

Renters United asked every candidate in the Fendalton Ward 17 questions about the issues that most concern renters in their ward. Here are Colin Meurk’s responses in full.

Rapid fire questions

Are you a renter? No
Do you own any properties? Yes
Do you support the Renters United Healthy Homes Commitment? Yes
Do you commit to funding tenant advocacy? Yes
Do you support councils retaining ownership an expanding supply of council housing? Yes
Will you lobby for IRRS to be extended to councils? Yes
Do you commit to densifying inner city suburbs? Yes
Will you commit to using your platform to abolish the ratepayers roll? Yes

Stable homes

What actions would you take to improve stability and security for private renters?

Take advice from your association and support the measures already affirmed above

How will you ensure all council tenants have security of tenure?

Seek reports and feedback from tenants to ensure they are comfortable and hear their opinions

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Christchurch?

Seek causes and solutions; provide Council constructed hostels, carefully managed by those who have experience in dealing with such deprived people.

Meaningful enforcement

If elected, would you take steps to tackle persistent bad landlords who do not meet their obligations to renters in your area? If so, what?

take advice from your association and from our legal services; i am not an expert in this field but support the cause.

What do you think Council should do to address power imbalance between landlords and tenants? If nothing, why?

I am not an expert in these fields, but support the cause, so would listen to the cases, and take advice from your association and our legal services.

Fair rent

Would you advocate for additional powers or resources from Central Government to address the housing crisis (such as legislating for Rent Control), if so what and how?

There should be serious debate , resolution and limits around all exploitative profiteering without responsibility for welfare of affected people. I would support those investigations and actions through central and local government.

What do you think are the main reasons rents in Christchurch are increasing? How would you ensure rents in Christchurch are affordable?

Inflation, supply and demand, profit margins to company shareholders. Already answered above.

Safe and healthy homes

What actions (in contrast to or in conjunction with our Healthy Homes Commitment) would you take to improve the quality of private rental housing in your ward and in your city?

i have answered above and indicated a commitment to upholding the Healthy Homes propositions.

Anything else you want to share?

My main pitch is that Council should build creatively and supportively managed hostel accommodation for those in struggle street. These should provide shared services, healthy food, work opportunities/assistance, social events, community-building and support, etc.

If you are a candidate or representative of a candidate and wish to correct or elaborate on the information please contact lbe22@rentersunited.org.nz.

Authorised by Geordie Rogers, geordie@rentersunited.org.nz

About the author:

rentersunited

In: Christchurch, Elections 2022. .