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An upgrade worth $1.25 million will be made on a Housing New Zealand complex in West Auckland, after residents complained of ongoing problems.
Housing Minister Maryan Street was in New Lynn yesterday and announced the news to a group of residents who had gathered at the Rewarewa Court complex in Rata St.
Ms Street said: "I've heard stories about overcrowding and children with asthma - we don't need stories like that coming out of Housing New Zealand houses.
"This [upgrade] means better ventilation - we'll do the plumbing in the kitchen and your homes will be warmer ... so you can look forward to living in houses that are healthy and dry."
The complex, made up of 33 housing units, was built in the 1970s.
Maintenance of the complex over the years have included work to fix drainage problems in some of the units, but more work still needed to be done, local member of Parliament David Cunliffe said.
"When Maryan and I visited these units a few months ago, what we found was this complex was not fit," he said.
Ms Street acknowledged that living conditions were unsatisfactory, saying: "You'll see improvement in the houses you're living in now.
"I hope I will come and see you in your lovely Housing New Zealand homes and your kids are better."
The upgrade will include laying carpet in all of the units, additional heating, higher ceilings, providing insulation and ventilation in the kitchen and bathroom within each unit.
Residents said they were "so delighted" and thanked the minister and Mr Cunliffe.
Yuchang Li, 72, has lived at the New Lynn complex with his wife for 10 years. He said there were many good families who have had to live with various problems in their homes, so he was happy to see "words being put into action".
He said for 10 years, Housing New Zealand hadn't done capital repairs.
He said although Housing New Zealand had provided a comfortable home for his family, there was a hole in his wall and the wallpaper was falling off.
"But now they have a plan - $1.25 million - they make our home warmer. I'm very happy," Mr Li said.
Renovations are set to begin soon and will carry on for the next 12 months.
