Epsom residents back David Seymour over social housing letter

Wednesday, 23 May 2018

Epsom residents are backing their MP David Seymour after he wrote a letter warning social housing could bring tenants with 'mental health issues' into their suburb.

The ACT leader's letter to constituents concerned an application from Housing New Zealand to redevelop a block of land on Banff Avenue and turn it into a five-storey 25-unit block.

Most of the letter focused on concerns about infrastructure, but the line about tenants' possible 'social and mental health issues' has come under fire from both the Mental Health Foundation and Housing NZ.

But Epsom resident and business association chairwoman Joy Stirling said on Wednesday the main issues for the Auckland suburb had been eclipsed by Seymour's comment.

READ MORE: David Seymour slammed for letter

'The residents of Banff Avenue were concerned about the houses so they sought help from Seymour,' she said. 

'The big concern is not the mental health of potential tenants but the effect that 25 new units is going to have on the street and on our community.'

Trish, who asked to be identified only by her first name, has lived on Banff Avenue for 30 years. Her house is next door to the planned social housing units.

She said she was worried about the number of people who would be moving in and felt Seymour had been treated 'unfairly' by the media.

'I appreciate what Seymour is trying to do – we're all very concerned about so many new people moving in, there's all these issues of traffic, infrastructure and parking,' she said.

'I think Seymour is looking after the established residents of Epsom with his letter.'

The site is currently home to eight units, which were built in the 1970s. Housing New Zealand has deemed them a fire risk and they have been empty for some time.

Trish said when the police were there 'at least once a week' when the units were lived in.

'With so many more people, it's just going to triple the amount of issues. [Housing New Zealand] couldn't take care of eight units, so how will they manage 25?

'These people do need somewhere to live but we have to protect ourselves.'

Stirling was also worried about tenants who may be a 'social nuisance', she said.

'Many of our residents have lived here for years and years so we're very connected and we're all still coming to grips with the idea of so many more people being added to our community.'

But another Epsom resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he did not agree with Seymour's letter or his comments on those with mental health issues.

'Everybody has rights and it seems like Seymour is trying to say that people with mental illness are criminals which is just not true.'

Housing NZ's general manager of asset development Patrick Dougherty said redeveloping the site was a better use of taxpayers' money than refurbishment.

The majority of Housing NZ tenants 'live regular lives just like everyone else', he said.

'Some of our tenants do have social and health needs and that includes people with mental illness – but these are people who need housing.'

Mental Health Foundation chief executive Shaun Robinson said poverty was a social driver for poor mental health, but it affected New Zealanders of all walks of life.

'One in five Kiwis will experience a mental health problem each year and they can and do live in all areas across Aotearoa,' he said. 

'Instead of painting people who live with mental illness as a nuisance to the community, we must empower people to have lifestyles and community support that builds positive mental health and resilience to help them cope through hard times.' 

Robinson said comments like Seymour's could have a significant impact on people who live with mental illness.

'It negatively shapes public opinion and attitudes towards people living with mental illness. Comments like this serve to reinforce a prejudice rather than working toward a more understanding and supportive community.'

Housing New Zealand was working with David Seymour's office to set up a community representative group, and planned to meet with the group before the end of May.