The petition
In recent highlights of events involving HNZC, a local branch was revealed to have overspent its budget mainly on new developments. At the same time, old HNZC properties are generally assessed to be in need of major repairs. There was a Business media campaign on vandalism allegedly to be the responsibility of tenants. Make no mistake about that, those few tenants who are responsible are pursued to the extreme end of the law. But the majority of tenants are decent citizens who maintain and keep a good house. Among this neighbourhood folk are those who may not be able to fully express their concerns in English. And it is somewhat extraordinary to be a coincident that these folks are sent 'Ten Day Notices' to pay for repairs, which were not of their doing. These repairs are largely due to wear and tear, and others that are misleading and confusing. The folks who cannot put up a plausible argument in English have found these repressive tactics stressful and are thus caught in a rut. They feel they are under obligation to do whatever HNZC dish down upon them, in fear of loosing their tenancies.
Some of these properties have increased in values due to some false inflation, are also common with the targeted tenants.
Strangely enough, HNZC's claims consistently remains just under $3000, the amount permitted under the terms of the RTA 1986, but also forcing the tenants to face HNZC without legal representations. The rest lays in the mercy of the Tenancy Tribunal.
Some of these folks have lived over thirty - forty years in their tenancies, are uprooted and evicted. One family paid a total amount of $2500 on the one day, and was evicted the next. Another family is charged for alleged repairs that were not done, where in another case, a family was charged for the removal of abandoned goods, which the family took with them in their move.
These cases are ongoing and consistent in certain growth areas. There are two cases that I know of at present, both are facing Tribunal.
I have attempted to rally tenants to organize a support group for themselves, but tenants are just too afraid of loosing their tenancies. Also the business propaganda is well organized in local community groups and agencies, tenants are faced with a hopeless situation.
These folks who cannot afford a deposit to buy their homes will continue to endure a sub-sector of society maintained by HNZC social housing. There is also a subtle face in this polarized setting that makes the fences of apartheid a secured abode.
I personally would appreciate any ideas and support to raise awareness and have these poor folks stories publicised for the world to see and may cause the culture of HNZC to put an end to it. I plan to accompany this petition with a submission to the appropriate authority.
Please submit your support, comments, and offer of anything that you wish to contribute to help out. By signing this petition you also agree to an investigation into the injustice as stated above.
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