Whanganui mum and kids still stuck in unhealthy home

Linda Ford has been looking for a better home for herself and her six children because the property she rents has a number of health hazards.

Whanganui mum Linda Ford and her six children are a top priority for social housing but time is running out on her current tenancy.

When the Chronicle visited Ms Ford in her Aramoho home last month, she was desperate to leave the property, which has holes in the floors and mouldy walls, which have been causing health problems for her six children.

Despite wanting to leave, she has not had any luck finding another private rental and although the Ministry of Social Development has assessed the family as being a high priority for a Housing New Zealand property, Ms Ford hasn't been offered one yet.

Property manager Harcourts has issued Ms Ford with a 90-day notice to terminate the tenancy and advised her that the company is no longer managing the property.

She has until May 16 to find a new home for her family.

The owner of the house is reported to have been admitted to a residential care facility and his family are understood to be seeking power of attorney to manage his affairs.

Since the previous Chronicle report, inspectors from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment have carried out an investigation at the property and have advised Ms Ford to file an application with the Tenancy Tribunal.

Ministry of Social Development (MSD) staff who assess prospective HNZ tenants for eligibility say Ms Ford is a "top priority".

MSD Regional Commissioner for Taranaki Gloria Campbell said the family are deemed to be in a risky situation.

"Her request has been assessed at A17, 'A' rated applications are for people who we consider 'at risk' in their current accommodation.

"We will be meeting Housing New Zealand, who oversee the matching process and manage tenancies, very soon to advocate Linda's case as one of our top priority cases."

Housing NZ spokesman Paul Clearwater says the perception that HNZ properties are sitting empty in Whanganui is inaccurate and every effort is being made to house people as soon as possible.

"There are always going to be properties vacant at any given point in time due to fire or other damage, or while they're being repaired.

"It's also important to note that many of the 'vacant' properties are in fact properties that are empty for the short time between tenancies, as they're prepared for new tenants.

"HNZ long-term vacant properties are generally being held vacant pending redevelopment, are methamphetamine-contaminated, or are undergoing major repairs and upgrades."

Mr Clearwater said the first quarterly figures for 2018 will be published shortly but as of December 31 last year there were 560 properties in Whanganui, nine of which were vacant.