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Our health not optional, students tell reluctant landlords

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Wed Apr 15 2015 12:00:00 GMT+1200 (New Zealand Standard Time)

Our health not optional, students tell reluctant landlords

NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations Wednesday, 15 April 2015, 2:25 pm
Press Release: NZUSA

Our health not optional, students tell reluctant landlords

15 April 2015

New Zealand Union of Students’ Associations

The national student union is calling for the Government to urgently introduce minimum heating and insulation standards for rentals off the back of reports by Radio New Zealand that some landlords are not willing to insulate cheaper properties.

The call echoes statements from Green MP Kevin Hague and Labour MP Poto Williams, both of whom said the slow pick up showed the need for legislation.

National student president Rory McCourt says “Students are often at the bottom of the heap when it comes to quality of housing. In lieu of standards it’s clear that some landlords think the good health of their tenants is optional. It shouldn’t be.”

“Clearly the market isn’t working. Students are paying more than ever in rent, but their flats remain cold and damp. Given how much students are forking out for flats, we think landlords can and should foot the bill – especially when there’s a subsidy.”

“Gone are the days when it was a badge of honour to make it through the winter in a crappy flat. With constant assessment and a majority of students working over 15 hours a week to pay for skyrocketing rents, there is simply no time to be sick. The Government needs to step in – and fast.” says McCourt.

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Regional Student Rents in 2014, rises from 2013:

• Auckland: $218.17, up $8.26
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• Hamilton: $115.38, up $3.73
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• Tauranga: $124.71, up $4.83
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• Palmertson North: $103.60, up $3.16
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• Wellington: $188.70, up $11.52
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• Christchurch: $183.21, up $5.70
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• Dunedin: $120.16, up $5.20
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Based on average student rent for a bedroom in three bedroom flat in student suburbs, from MBIE housing data.

ENDS

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NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations

NZUSA - New Zealand Union of Students' Associations

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NZUSA is the New Zealand Union of Students' Associations, the national body that represents New Zealand's students' associations and the interests of New Zealand's 400,000 students at universities, polytechnics and in trades training.

We conduct original research, advocate to Government and through the media, and support New Zealand's students' associations to be more effective on behalf of their members. We advocate alongside Te Mana Akonga – The National Māori Students' Association, and Tertiary Women New Zealand – The NZUSA Women's Caucus.

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