Last week the Salvation Army released its Into Troubled Waters – a state of the nation report. The report highlighted the need to do something about the serious issue of lack of housing in our city.

The report states that in Manukau city alone the shortage is around 1200.

Overcrowding in Manukau homes is a known fact, which increases the pressures on families, makes it difficult for children to learn, and also impacts on the fabric of a dwelling. A home built for a family of six cannot easily accommodate 12 people. There is a compelling need provide housing which people can afford and is developed at a pace to meet demand.

Our council has identified sites and prepared work for new housing to be built. We are now awaiting decisions by the government as to if and when this can take place.

Councils around the region are committed and ready to work with the government and Housing New Zealand Corporation to deliver affordable housing outcomes. Manukau Council is working on a significant housing development of mixed tenure, which will provide affordable housing in the Weymouth/Waimahia areas.

While there has been some progress made already, we still need to do more.

All our communities deserve access to affordable housing and I will continue to advocate for greater progress as we look to address this serious housing shortage.

It was also concerning to see in the report state that some 13.6 per cent of the 9,080 children born in Manukau in 2007, were born to families in the two lowest decile areas.

Our council is looking at doing something about it. Education and employment are key ways of tackling the issue. We’re looking at launching a new youth initiative aimed at some of the 3,500 to 4,000 students who leave school each year.

There are a large number of young people who have left school prior to 2010 who are not in further education, training, employment, or other meaningful activity. Potentially, there are 1200 to 1500 young people each year that would need or appreciate transition assistance, which is what we are seeking to do.

I believe all Kiwis deserve an adequate standard of living. Delivering adequate housing, education and employment are issues, not just for Manukau, but for the whole region.