Candidate Tyla Harrison-Hunt answers Renters United’s questions

VOTE HOUSING: LOCAL BODY 2022

Renters United asked every candidate in the Riccarton Ward 17 questions about the issues that most concern renters in their ward. Here are Tyla Harrison-Hunt’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?

Advocate strongly for liveable, dry and warm homes across the board. With Riccarton being 60% rented, its extremely important council have a strong say in how private owners are held accountable for these outcomes. I am also strongly for housing intensification done right; which addresses climate change, builds new, safe homes and provides a sense of belonging for our residents.

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

By meaningful engagement with our residents. I’ve talked to many residents in council housing and it’s a huge work on. Many have talked about accessibility issues which include a lack of access for wheelchairs, appropriate means to get into utilities, ramps where needed and many more issues! We need an audit of every council owned dwelling which ensures all of our people are cared for.

What steps will you take to end homelessness in Christchurch?

We need to do so much, this is a multi-faceted issue which requires many pieces to end homelessness in Christchurch.
1. Build more social housing and further invest in repairing current stock.
2. Investigate and promote a whanau ora based approach by a ‘by the people-for the people’ model.
3. Bring in local providers to collaborate on ending homelessness.

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, landlords need to always provide clean and dry homes. That’s just the bottom line. Council have a limited amount of power in this space, so it is important we collaborate with the appropriate organisations to address this.

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

I am for a ‘rental WOF’ where landlords need to meet certain requirements. It’s currently a ‘goal’ at the council level under their housing policy. I would push for this to be implemented.

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, I would support this.

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

– A lack of government intervention
– Property investors buying existing homes and turning them into rentals
– A lack of housing in general which makes it easier for owners to push their rents up based on the current market
– Property managers, enough said.

I would push for more housing intensification in areas which are close to local amenities and public transport

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?

– Provide further resourcing and marketing into councils healthy homes commitment
– Enable local groups to advocate and educate renters into their rights as tenants
– Encourage public, private and philanthropic investment into affordable housing

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: Christchurch, Elections 2022. .