Family agree to quit deceased mother's state house

A family have agreed to move out of a three-bedroom state house in Panmure after getting a better offer of alternative accommodation.

Olivia Maana, the 19-year-old daughter of Kopu Maana, who died last month, yesterday accepted Housing New Zealand's offer of a smaller two-bedroom house nearby.

Ms Maana had wanted to stay where she lived with a cousin, Vanessa, 25, and their two children but Housing New Zealand refused, saying other families in more need should have the three-bedroom house.

Ms Maana's friend Joanne Rama said a meeting with HNZ management had led to an offer of a home in the same area. "The first place they offered her was pretty much slum city but this one is just round the corner," said Ms Rama.

"It was not about staying there for the sake of staying there ... It was about staying in the area ... because Olivia is an orphan and needs her community for support."

Ms Rama said the family would be out by Thursday, the new deadline set by Housing New Zealand.

"The rent is paid, there is no absolutely no damage and we'll clean up."

Housing New Zealand said it had extended its deadline to give the family time to move.