Tenants 'scared' at HNZ complex

A Hastings pensioner is accusing Housing NZ of creating a siege mentality for frightened tenants by allowing "unruly criminals" to live in his complex of flats.

"They [Housing NZ] are putting wolves among the lambs," 65-year-old Star Flats resident Peter Grant said.

A tenant at the three-storeyed Housing NZ complex for seven years, Mr Grant told Hawke's Bay Today he and other residents had been subjected to standover tactics by drug dealers and gang members frequenting the Karamu Rd flats.

"We've seen it all here - assaults, squatters, drug-dealing, graffiti, kids flaked out on P on the stairwell, people kicking my door all hours of the night thinking I'm a drug dealer," Mr Grant said. "It's just a nightmare.

"Some also try to get into the upstairs floors by climbing up the railings on the outside of the building."

The pensioner, who established a communal library service in the flat's foyer, had been spat on and assaulted for standing up to the "bad apples".

"I realise these people need to live somewhere but why put them in a big complex with so many other residents? Some of the tenants are too scared to speak out."

He said complaints to his Housing NZ landlords had fallen on deaf ears.

"They're obliged by law to look after their tenants and to take steps to ensure residents don't disturb their neighbours. Instead we've become a halfway house for parolees and criminals."

Mr Grant said one resident had already moved out, while others were contemplating leaving.

"Yes, I have thought about it but then why should I move out? Most of the residents here are beneficiaries, have ongoing health problems or are elderly. Why should they have to move? Housing NZ obviously thinks we just don't count for much."

Housing NZ regional manager Helen Walker said she was aware of problems at the complex and was "actively working to resolve them".

"This includes encouraging other tenants to let us and the police know about any anti-social behaviour," Mrs Walker said.

"We have had only one instance of a parolee being a tenant at this address, and that was approved by the Department of Corrections. However, this tenant has since found other accommodation."

Police callouts to Star Flats

September 1 - suspicious behaviour

September 5 - suspicious behaviour

September 18 - youths wrecking fire extinguishers

September 20 - fighting on grass in front of flats

September 22 - assault

October 24 - inquiries related to a crime (not stated)