Labour Party

Visit proves Nat plans to scrap $1 billion household energy fund is plain dumb

03.11.2008

A visit to the home of Nelson freezing worker James Barry today spoke volumes about the stupidity of National’s plans to scrap the $1 billion fund to make houses drier and warmer and leave many Kiwis out in the cold, said Maryan Street and David Parker.

Mr Parker, the Energy and Climate Change Minister, and Maryan Street, the Housing Minister as well as the list MP contesting the Nelson seat, said the Barry family home was insulated in January this year.

"Mr Barry's income meant the family was eligible for an ENERYWISE home insulati... more +

Labour offers HOPE while Nats offer false hope

Maryan Street

15.10.2008

Labour's new HOPE initiative differs fundamentally from National's Gateway programme in one critical aspect and that is that HOPE will actually make homes affordable for modest income earners, says Housing Minister Maryan Street.

"National's housing spokesman Phil Heatley claimed today that the two initiatives were similar, but he couldn't be more wrong," she said.

"Under the HOPE programme a two to three bedroom starter home could be built for around $165,000, which a household earning from $44,000 could afford.&n... more +

Key axes new homes

Maryan Street

07.10.2008

National leader John Key has confirmed that housing will be another area of government spending to suffer in order to fund his reckless programme of additional tax cuts, said Housing Minister Maryan Street today.

Mr Key told a public meeting in Hobsonville last night that he will axe plans by the government to build social housing on the Crown land development.

"The housing planned for Hobsonville is essential for communities in this fast growing area of Auckland where young families are finding it... more +