Stay updated with breaking news from Ora north island. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Millions spent weekly in Rotorua on supplements to help pay rent 27 Apr, 2021 06:00 PM 7 minutes to read An increasing number of Bay renters are under financial pressure amid the housing crisis and needing more assistance from Work and Income. Photo / Getty Images An increasing number of Bay renters are under financial pressure amid the housing crisis and needing more assistance from Work and Income. Photo / Getty Images Rotorua Daily Post Nearly $3 million a week is being spent helping thousands of people in the Bay of Plenty keep a roof over their heads amid the region s deepening housing crisis. Thousands across the region qualify for ....
Millions spent weekly in Bay of Plenty on supplements to help pay rent 27 Apr, 2021 06:00 PM 6 minutes to read Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni. Photo / File Bay of Plenty Times Nearly $3 million a week is being spent helping thousands of people in the Bay of Plenty keep a roof over their heads amid the region s deepening housing crisis. Thousands across the region qualify for the Accommodation Supplement – a non-taxable benefit to help pay for rent, board or the costs of owning a home. Nearly $3m a week is being paid to help pay for housing costs in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / Getty Images ....
Lack of play areas for kids in emergency housing prompts wellbeing concerns 19 Apr, 2021 06:00 PM 6 minutes to read There are concerns cramped conditions in emergency housing could harm children s development. Photo / File A lack of safe spaces for children to play in Rotorua motels used for emergency housing has some worried children s development and wellbeing will suffer long term. This follows long-held concerns that kids living in motels - potentially spending weeks in cramped conditions - are being exposed to distressing situations, with families living alongside gang members. Official documents show ministers were warned about the risks to public safety in Rotorua a year ago, and that week-by-week motel accommodation is not so suitable for families, or those with high needs, Radio New Zealand revealed yesterday. ....
Dylan Thorne: Everyone losing in emergency housing crisis 19 Apr, 2021 06:39 PM 3 minutes to read MP Todd McClay speaking at a public meeting on homelessness. Photo / File Bay of Plenty Times It was a gotcha moment for Rotorua National MP Todd McClay. After raising concerns about Rotorua becoming a dumping ground for out-of-town homeless for the better part of a year and having those fears dismissed by the Ministry of Social Development he could feel vindicated. McClay has steadfastly dismissed the ministry s line that out-of-towners made up only a small percentage of the homeless living in motels. And last week, in a moment he surely relished, he was able to say: We told you so. ....
Emergency housing motels no place for kids, says Tauranga dad after seven month in one-bedroom unit 19 Apr, 2021 06:00 PM 7 minutes to read Dad of two Wayne Reid living in emergency housing at the RSA. A motel is no place for kids, says a father of two who has been living in one as emergency housing for seven months. Wayne Reid lives in a one-bedroom unit at the Returned and Services Association in Greerton. His two boys live with him most of the time. The unit has a double and single bed. He said his children were growing up unable to pop outside and kick a ball around, needing to stay quiet to avoid bothering other residents and confined to the unit when it rains. ....