News

Council plays politics with cruel attack on most vulnerable

04.09.2008

Auckland Central MP Judith Tizard is appalled by reports that Auckland City Council's Community Services Committee wants to 'deal' with the city's homeless by shipping them out of the city.

"Auckland City is simply playing politics at the expense of very vulnerable people," said Judith Tizard.

"These actions are an insult to the many volunteers, community workers and dedicated professionals in the Police and mental health services, who devote so much time and effort to helping Auckland's homeless people.

"Where does the Council intend on moving the homeless? Remuera or St Heliers perhaps, or further out of town, maybe to Takapuna?

"Auckland's CBD has, according to recent survey, 80 or more people sleeping rough.

"These people need community services from their council's ironically named Community Services Committee, not to be the targets of politically motivated scaremongering.

"The Anglican City Mission has done wonderful work with engaging with and supporting homeless people.

"We have seen that in many cases they can once again participate fully in the community, and in some cases get jobs or undertake study.

"Let's help them, not hide them or hide from the problems" said Judith Tizard.

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