Housing NZ gets nod in Hutt eviction

Housing New Zealand can evict three Lower Hutt families with gang connections from their state housing units, the Tenancy Tribunal has decided.

In March this year Housing NZ served 90-day notices to three women living in a Farmer Crescent state housing block after neighbours complained about intimidation, threats and burglary.

Police arrested and charged several Mongrel Mob members as a result of investigations, some of whom were partners of the tenants in question.

The tenants refused to adhere to the eviction notices and the case ended up in the tribunal's hands.

Housing NZ argued at the Wellington hearing this month that it was simply seeking possession of its units, as it - and any other landlord - was entitled to do as long as correct procedures were followed.

A lawyer for the tenants, Robert Lithgow QC, argued the evictions were discriminatory and breached the Bill of Rights Act.

In a reserved decision, the tribunal ruled in favour of Housing NZ, but Mr Lithgow said his clients would appeal against the decision to the District Court.

He said that while technically they could be evicted pending an appeal he would be "very surprised" if Housing NZ did that.

- NZPA