Housing Policy

Kiwisaver Bond Assistance

ISSUE

The reality is, young New Zealanders need to rent. Whether as a student, young professional, or just choosing to live independently. A significant barrier stopping young Kiwis from entering the rental market is the substantial cost of rental bonds.

PROPOSAL

Amend the KiwiSaver Act to allow KiwiSaver members to drawdown on their KiwiSaver for the purpose of their rental bond payment under a tenancy or boarding agreement.

The bond would be paid directly to Tenancy Services, or simply be guaranteed by the member’s KiwiSaver provider.

IMPACT

"Kiwisaver for Bonds" will substantially reduce the initial cost of moving into rental accommodation and increase accessibility to housing for many New Zealanders. 

Read more about this policy here

OFFICIAL POLICY OF THE NZ YOUNG NATS. NOT NATIONAL PARTY POLICY.

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Energy Efficient Housing Standards

ISSUE

The quality of New Zealand's housing stock directly impacts the standard of living for Kiwis. A government commissioned survey found that 28,000 homes in New Zealand exhibited mould and were always damp.

There is currently no mandated rating system of insulation for residential housing, other than meeting minimal government standards, which are some of the lowest in the OECD.

PROPOSAL

Implement an Energy Efficient Housing Standards scheme modeled off the Australian Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (“NatHERS”).  This system will give new build homes a star rating based upon the energy required to either heat or cool the home.

IMPACT

This scheme would significantly improve the housing stock of New Zealand by creating more sustainable and healthy homes.

This housing standard has already been implemented for commercial buildings in New Zealand, meaning it is a natural extension to implement the same standards for residential homes.

Read more about this policy here

OFFICIAL POLICY OF THE NZ YOUNG NATS. NOT NATIONAL PARTY POLICY.