Candidate Tory Whanau answers Renters United’s questions

VOTE HOUSING: LOCAL BODY 2022

Renters United asked every Mayoral candidate 17 questions about the issues that most concern renters in their ward. Here are Tory Whanau’s responses in full.

Rapid fire questions

Are you a renter? Yes
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?

Renters must be treated as residents of our city and be afforded the same rights. I want to see a rental WOF, improved housing and better tenancy security. I will ensure renters have a say at the Council table.

How will you ensure all council tenants have security of tenure?
I support enforcing security of tenure as it benefits whanau, particularly young children, by providing a stable living environment. I would like to work with tenants to see how we can establish long term solutions.

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Wellington?
Increase public housing in the city, restore wet houses, provide access to mental health and alcohol/harm reduction.

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?

Yes, I will explore or establish a system at Council where tenants can raise these issues confidentially and explore Council’s enforcement options.

What do you think Council should do to address power imbalance between landlords and tenants? If nothing, why?
Setting up a body where Renters United or other advocacy groups can input into our policy solutions

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?
Yes, my relationship with central Government is incredibly strong and I’ll advocate for rental caps and control.

What do you think are the main reasons rents in Wellington are increasing? How would you ensure rents in Wellington are affordable?
Supply – I will increase our housing by 20,000 homes in our urban evitalisation project.

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?

Development bonuses to ensure apartment blocks are of a high standard, have accessible options, green spaces and a community space.

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: Elections 2022, Wellington. .