Candidate Robin Goulden answers Renters United’s questions

VOTE HOUSING: LOCAL BODY 2022

Renters United asked every candidate in the Wharangi/Onslow Western Ward 17 questions about the issues that most concern renters in their ward. Here are Robin Goulden’s responses in full.

Rapid fire questions

Are you a renter? Yes
Do you own any properties? No
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? No

Stable homes

What actions would you take to improve stability and security for private renters?
No answer provided

How will you ensure all council tenants have security of tenure?
No answer provided

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Wellington?
The biggest issue is that lack of affordable housing and if nothing is done about supply then the problem will continue to worsen. We need a place in the central people where people can go to. We also need a wet hostel. I have not seen much progress on the issue in Council and the problem is just allowed to continue. Its a complex issue with some people just wanting to live that way and that would be hard to change.

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?
I am happy to advocate for people who find themselves in a difficult situation. Agree we need services that are fair, timely and well resourced for all parties. Perhaps blacklisting bad landlords would be a good idea. Council should ensure that standards are as consistent as possible across the board.

What do you think Council should do to address power imbalance between landlords and tenants? If nothing, why?
Ensure we have services and mechanisms we currently have in place are working and if not find out why? I am happy to look at stronger measures if there are ongoing issues that need to be addressed.

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 am not sure how you would legislate for rent control. I would have thought that is simply controlled by the market. Council can control the price or rent of its own properties. Council could also invest in more social housing in partnership with government.

What do you think are the main reasons rents in Wellington are increasing? How would you ensure rents in Wellington are affordable?
I suspect one of the greatest contributors is the excessive rates increases and costs for insurance that are being passed on by Council and commercial companies. If Council is more careful with their budget and spending. I think this would help.

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?
Perhaps inspections of properties before they can be tenanted might help solve the issue. They should have to pass minimum standards of being warm, healthy and safe. Properties that do not meet these requirements should not be allowed to be leased or rented out. That is or could be a Council regulatory issue.

Anything else you want to share?

As long as Housing stays in Council hands I would like to see tenants get the same deal as tenants that are with Housing New Zealand. I don’t see why the same group of vulnerable people get to different deals when they are already on fixed incomes with limited scope or choices.

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

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rentersunited

In: Elections 2022, Wellington. .