An open letter to Jacinda Ardern, Megan Woods and Poto Williams.

To Hon. Jacinda Ardern, Hon. Megan Woods and Hon. Poto Williams.

My name is Corina Shields. You are undoubtedly aware of my father's plight (https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/k-inga-ora-apologises-terminally-ill-man-left-waiting-year-heat-pump). He is terminally ill with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and stuck in an unhealthy and dangerous Kāinga Ora house.

Because of the contrast in my own living situation compared to my parents (I live in a private rental) news about housing is something that interests me, as i'm sure it does many others. Not so long ago I saw in the news, Minister Megan Woods talk about compassion -"I think there are a number of really good landlords and I think we all meet them when we're out and about - but certainly, with some landlords - as there is in any sector of society - yes, there is more need for compassion."

And yes , I agree Minister Woods, some landlords do need more compassion. One of those landlords is Kāinga Ora. I can't even begin to tell you the amount of stress and anxiety I've gone through, dealing with Kāinga Ora issues for my father. I'm not stressed over a heatpump like the news story would have people believe, I'm stressed over the need to constantly chase up leaking toilets, I'm stressed over having to make numerous calls about a faulty hot water cylinder and I'm stressed because of the lack of communication and follow ups, ignored requests for information, and the lack of accountability shown by Kāinga Ora. For someone who doesn't live in a Kāinga Ora home, it's ridiculous and disheartening to me that Kāinga Ora have taken such a toll on my mental health.

To date, it's been private landlords who have not only offered me tenancy advice, but have also lent a sympathetic ear and listened as I've cried on the phone about the problems I've faced and the issues I'm dealing with. I've cried a lot over the last year in my dealings with Kāinga Ora. On the phone and in all the meetings I've had with tenancy, area and regional managers of Kāinga Ora. I've cried out of frustration. I've cried because nobody has listened and I've cried because nobody seems to care.

And as I sit in my parents Kāinga Ora home where damages my parents have paid for to be fixed by Kāinga Ora remain unfinished and unpainted, stare me in the face as I write this, it's dawned on me how little compassion the government has shown towards Kāinga Ora tenants like my father.

If the last year has taught me anything, its the need for the government to intervene and review the systems within Kāinga Ora. I'm pleading with you to get involved because the health, well being and lives of thousands of vulnerable people are at stake in a system where nobody is listening.

Nga mihi,

Corina Shields.