Rotorua families with children at risk of rheumatic fever will soon be fast-tracked to the top of the waiting list for state housing.
From March 1 families in the Lakes District Health Board, as well as several other areas, will be fast-tracked, Housing Minister Dr Nick Smith announced yesterday.
Dr Smith said there was a strong link between housing conditions, particularly overcrowding, and rheumatic fever.
New Zealand's rate of acute rheumatic fever is 14 times the OECD average and the rate is 25 to 44 times greater for Maori and Pacific children.
There are about 10 cases of rheumatic fever a year in the Lakes area, which includes Rotorua and Taupo.