Andrew Dickens: Two callers discuss the boarding house situation in New Zealand

Andrew Dickens Afternoons

A report from Auckland Council's boarding house inspectors shows out of 44 properties suspected to be breaking the law, 40 were “operating unauthorised transient accommodation or boarding houses.”

Many had issues with fire safety breaches, growing numbers of gang-affiliated guests, and owners questioning council authority.

Andrew Dickens had two callers today who discussed their situations.

The first, Jamie, lives in a boarding house with his son.

Jamie told Andrew Dickens “There’s one room here that’s $500 – the guy’s killing it,”

Jamie said “You’re living with alcoholics and drug users. I’ve had to send my kid to his mum’s because it’s no place for a kid.”

The second, John, owns two boarding houses and lives there himself.

John told Andrew Dickens “When they come here, they are lost. When I give them a room, they sleep for a week - they are that exhausted.”

John said “It’s an ideal situation to get these people off the street and give them independence.”

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