KEY POINTS:
The woman facing eviction by Housing New Zealand admits some of her children are "ratbags" but says her family has done nothing wrong and should be allowed to stay.
Sharon Salt and her family were ordered to leave 39 Range View Rd in Owairaka by midnight on Friday after a Tenancy Tribunal hearing found serious breaches of their agreement with Housing NZ.
Ms Salt, who has been granted a rehearing with the Tenancy Tribunal next Friday, told the Herald yesterday that the ordeal had been "intensely stressful" for her and her children.
"Just put yourself in my shoes and try to imagine what my family is going through," she said.
"Imagine what it's been like for my children and how it's been for them at school ... they're good children who do well at school and they have done absolutely nothing wrong.
"Sure, the older three are ratbags but the young ones ... it's not their fault."
Sue Henry of the Housing Lobby said the Salts' possible eviction was a "bit of a witchhunt" and the solo mother of 10 had not received all the support she was entitled to.
"She's isolated and if the police can't deal with these problem youths how the hell do they expect a mother on her own to?"
"A lot of the agencies won't support out-of-control kids unless they're court referrals and by then it's too late."
The family's lawyer, John Foliaki, said at the weekend that the mother had been too ill to attend and had not had a chance to defend herself.
On Tuesday, Mr Foliaki appealed to the tribunal for a rehearing, which Housing NZ did not oppose, so a third hearing was scheduled for June 22.
Ms Salt said her health had improved enough for her to attend Tuesday's hearing and she hoped to be at next Friday's hearing.
She was reluctant to talk to the media who she said had been "completely unfair and wrong".
"I've spoken to reporters and they have only reported what they wanted to and haven't given us a fair go."
"They've crucified us and have only reported things which will lead to us being evicted."
Ms Salt said her family had the support of some neighbours who had signed affidavits.
"I've spoken to some neighbours and they're happy, they have no problems."
The Tenancy Tribunal granted termination of the Salts' tenancy on June 7 because of "serious interference with the peace, privacy and comfort of the neighbourhood".
Graham Bodman, Housing New Zealand's regional manager for central Auckland, said several people had been sent to meet the Salt family to talk about their options and ensure they were in contact with the necessary agencies.
Despite taking a "firm and compassionate" stance, Mr Bodman said if Housing NZ got its way, the Salt family would not remain at the property.
Frances, who has lived on a neighbouring property for several years but did not want her surname used, said the property had been quiet recently. The new problem was people coming to have a look at the controversial house.
"There's been a lot of cars driving up and down [the street] ... they want to take a look at what all the fuss is about," she said.
