Holidaymakers are flocking to Waiheke baches and forcing residents out of their rentals. (File image)
It’s seen as a mecca for the wealthy, but beneath the idyllic images of Waiheke’s vineyards and golden sand beaches is an accommodation crisis for the island’s renters. As demand for properties skyrockets, some renters are facing either being homeless or being forced off the island. It is a recurring problem, caused by holidaymakers flocking to Waiheke over the summer months. But renters say this year is worse because of Covid, as Kiwis return from overseas and and decide to use their holiday baches over summer.