Motels could be purchased for homeless

The Ministry of Social Development hasn’t ruled out buying motels in Tauranga for the purpose of housing homeless. File photo.

Tauranga motels could be purchased by the state to house homeless, as the government seeks solutions to the country's housing crisis.

The Ministry of Social Development isn't ruling out the possibility of buying motels as a means of housing homeless in the Tauranga region.

A ministry spokesperson told SunLive rumours of Housing New Zealand looking to buy motels in the city were inaccurate.

'We are not actively negotiating the purchase of any motels at this time, but we don't rule out that possibility in the future.”

The Ministry of Social Development has secured 49 contracted transitional housing places in Tauranga, and says they are continuing to explore ‘all options' to expand the supply of transitional housing in the area.

They say transitional housing provides short-term accommodation and support services for people with an immediate need, while they are helped to transition into sustainable housing on a long-term basis.

Labour Party Social Development spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni says the government has plans to buy another two motels to house Kiwis in need of emergency housing, in addition to the four it has already bought around the country.

'Labour has discovered the government has paid more than twice the price for these motels, with each purchase exceeding double the most recent QV valuations. These valuations are between one to three years old, but property prices haven't doubled in that time.

'What's really concerning is that in each of the cities where the motels have been bought, the government has sold off much-needed state houses.

'In Gisborne, where there has been a loss of 62 state houses, the government paid $2,150,000 for a motel valued at $910,000. In Hastings, where there has been a loss of 14 state houses, the government paid $1,840,000 for a property valued at $900,000.

'In Napier, where there has been a loss of 137 state houses, the Government paid $1,850,000 for a property valued at $910,000. Meanwhile, taxpayers have bought a motel in Auckland for $2,650,000, again more than twice the QV valuation.

She says it is ‘simply irresponsible' and ‘poor planning by the government' to be paying these sums for motels while continuing to sell off state houses.

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8 comments

Not So Sure Its A Good Idea

Posted on 18-08-2017 10:35 | By friendee

These people are generally "homeless" for a reason.Most people are able to rent by the normal channels, until you become a bad risk by not paying, damaging your rental, anti-social behaviour etc, the list goes on.The current examples of motels and camp grounds in our area that have been modified for this style of low budget accommodation are not a nice safe environment for families.Ask anybody who has had contact with the residents there and they will tell you the horror stories that take little imagination to picture.Also I feel sorry for the residents around these areas with the influx of , in my opinion, unsavoury neighbours.


@Friendee

Posted on 18-08-2017 11:46 | By Papamoaner

You are correct. Something has happened to our culture over the last few decades, and it's not nice. One example of it is if you walk into any branch of "The Warehouse" you will find some floor areas covered in discarded shoes, toys etc, dropped by shoppers who lack the common good manners to put stuff back. It is also a growing problem in hardware shops where people just toss stuff back in any bin, often the wrong bin. What we are seeing here, and reflected in your comments, is the raw underbelly of our so called Kiwi culture. But to be fair, it is probably global. Would I want those buggers living next to me? No thanks. Maybe it all started with the Walter Nash Labour Gov't building those vast Ghettos of state houses in the 1950's.


And where would TOURISTS stay?

Posted on 18-08-2017 12:33 | By SML

If more motels in Tauranga get sold for "housing", where are tourists going to stay? A number of motels (particularly Waihi Rd area) have been sold to longer-term accomodation already, but no new motels are being built, so there's aways a shortage of accomodation for sports groups, independant tourists, and the like - and not everyone can afford hotel prices.The other issue is that motel-sized rooms are NOT suitable for longer-term accomodation for families,We need more social housing in Tauranga - and FAST!


@ Friendee

Posted on 18-08-2017 13:06 | By MISS ADVENTURE

Are they genuinely homeless? Maybe it is a case of the choices made? maybe it is a result of stupid decisions that COuncils are really good at making? maybe life choices, hopeless parenting and more are teh reason. maybe some people should not have children unless they themselves can support themselves and those children. maybe such kids should be moved to a better home where they can be looked after properly. All of the abvoe is creating a leech like society with a hand out forever and a day. It is a bad lesson to teach to the kids that this is the way of life. Perhaps best that they fend for themselves and when ready pick themselves up and sort themselves out once and for all, no one else can do it for them unless they actually want to change. Why change all is free ex-Governemt????


State owned house

Posted on 18-08-2017 18:32 | By overit

Heard today of one in Whangarei, occupants on the booze. Bloke blows up, beats up the missus and smashes his way out the walls to the outside. Just lovely. We have some out WB that look so scruffy thanks to the occupants. Where is the accountability??


MOTEL OWNERS THAT SELL ARE STUPID !!

Posted on 19-08-2017 21:19 | By The Caveman

WINZ, currently will fill up their motels seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. Guaranteed income every day !!! Just charge your normal nightly rate. OH and before ANY new WINZ client moves in - take EXTENSIVE PHOTOS of the inside of the unit, and have a WINZ staffer sign a statement that the photos represent the condition of the unit AND a guarantee that WINZ'S will pay for the repairs for ANY damage after their client moves out.


Homeless

Posted on 20-08-2017 08:32 | By collydogz

Not always but often the choice is Drugs and alcohol versus a roof over their heads. I see this problem every day as I go about my day. To be honest I have little sympathy. They leave rubbish whereever they go. Intimidate and harrass people for money. Any attempt to house them in reasonable accommadation would not be respected or appreciated.


Motels are just the goods.

Posted on 20-08-2017 09:06 | By Cynical Me

Many of the motels are older style concrete bunkers. That's great as the walls are harder than their heads. Great for the ex owners as well for these days motels generally are not used as they used to be. Apartments have taken their space. Motels were filled up with Reps during the week. no reps about these days and many people now have movans etc. Govt. should buy more of these and put bars on the doors and windows for the ferrals.


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