3405 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Associate Minister of Housing

3405 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Associate Minister of Housing: What proportion, if any, of the 25% of Kāinga Ora tenants who are in debt, on re-payment plans, and are not meeting the plans are not meeting the plans because of inadequate incomes or high living costs?

Hon Tama Potaka: As Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing), I am advised that Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities is not necessarily aware of the income, financial circumstances or reasons why individual tenants do not meet their obligations to pay rent. Most Kāinga Ora tenants are eligible for an Income Related Rent Subsidy which reduces rent so that it is proportional with the household income. This subsidy is managed by the Ministry of Social Development. As a responsible landlord Kāinga Ora will enter into repayment plans with tenants as a means to address rent arrears rather than terminating the tenancy.