Candidate Josephine Ruth Bartley answers Renters United’s questions

VOTE HOUSING: LOCAL BODY 2022

Renters United asked every candidate the Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Ward 17 questions about the issues that most concern renters in their ward. Here are Josephine Ruth Bartley’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? No answer provided
Do you support councils retaining ownership an expanding supply of council housing? No answer provided
Will you lobby for IRRS to be extended to councils? No answer provided
Do you commit to densifying inner city suburbs? Yes
Will you commit to using your platform to abolish the ratepayers roll? No answer provided

Stable homes

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

This I believe sits with Central Government however where Council is involved in development through Eke Panuku I would like to see affordable housing provided, affordable rentals provided through those developments. I also think that given what we are seeing in Tamaki that Government needs to be enable affordable private rentals to counter the gentrification we are seeing through these types of development.

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

I believe Council works through Haumaru but that security of tenure is considered however wellbeing and welfare of tenants needs to also be a priority.

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Auckland?

every week i get requests for help for people who are sleeping rough. I think more financial investment into community providers who provide emergency housing and less through MSD because the reality i have come across when trying to help people living in their cars at the local park is waiting on the phone for hours to get through to MSD isnt realistic or effective. Kahui Tu Kaha were doing an amazing job housing people after hours as we know people are not homeless between working hours.

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?

From a Council perspective it is about ensuring homes are of a liveable standard i would hope. in terms of bad landlords that needs to be central government

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

Council can have a role to play in regards to the environment that allows slum landlords however enforcement of tenants rights sits with the Government. A more proactive approach to advocacy and enforcement for tenants needs to rest with Government.

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?

I dont know how Council can get involved in rent control, i do believe this needs to sit with central govt.

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

Rents are unaffordable in Auckland because people are desperate to live in this city and why not it is a great city but it is so unaffordable that we need to do something about it. I had hoped that by allowing more building of homes here that costs would be easier for people to rent. However I do think more Govt intervention for those working poor who cant afford market rentals but who were living in state houses and now reassessed out of them.

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?

No answer provided

Anything else you want to share?

No answer provided

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: Auckland, Elections 2022. .