Thursday, September 29, 2022, 3:32 p.m.
Press release: Queenstown Lakes District Council
Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult said the fact that hundreds of Queenstown residents are unable to apply for the government housing grant because their homes are still classed as being on farmland is “wacky “.
He lends his personal support to the local community campaign “Peeps not Sheeps”. The campaign is asking people to sign and share a petition calling on the government to change the legislation basing eligibility for the supplement to reflect the most recent demographic statistics.
“The current zoning is based on the 1992 boundaries and I don’t need to remind anyone how much the district has changed since then,” he said.
“At a time when the cost of living is rising, it’s just not acceptable that people who really need financial help can’t get it because of 30-year-old data.”
Mayor Boult noted that local social services are seeing real negative welfare impacts as a result and shares the campaign’s view that the timetable should be changed to ensure the boundaries of the area remain fair and appropriate. to the goal.
“Hats off to Andrew Wilson of the Queenstown Salvation Army for putting his name on the petition and to everyone who helped bring this farcical situation to public attention.”
“We have almost 100 signatures so far, but we are looking for 500 or more. Andrew, our local MP Joseph Mooney and I will prove our commitment to the cause by jumping from a plane at 10,000 feet before my last day as mayor next week. In keeping with the campaign theme, I will be wearing a sheep costume but, to the possible disappointment of a few people, I will also be wearing a parachute!
Anyone wishing to learn more about the “Peeps not Sheeps” campaign and to lend their support can join the Facebook group www.facebook.com/groups/accommodationsubsidy
The petition itself can be viewed at https://www.parliament.nz/en/petitions/sign/PET_126092
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