Mr Twyford remained very clear in Opposition and during the election campaign of his plans. It is understandable, then, the passion with which Mr Twyford, and Labour in general, feel about state housing. National planned to diversify the ownership of social housing but it was not totally successful. Successive governments, including Labour, have left the repair of some state houses far too long, allowing them to crumble into disrepair. The Government is already well behind its target and there is a general feeling it will never match deeds with its words.

Source: Otago Daily Times December 21, 2017 16:18 UTC