30 Sep 2009

Bailiffs to enforce Housing NZ eviction notices

6:46 am on 30 September 2009

Court bailiffs are to be sent to a Mongrel Mob enclave in Lower Hutt as Housing New Zealand readies itself to evict tenants.

Five families were issued with 90-day tenancy termination notices in March following gang intimidation in Farmer Crescent.

Three unsuccessfully took their case to the Tenancy Tribunal and a District Court appeal has also been rejected.

The tenants have continually refused Housing New Zealand's help to find alternative, private accommodation.

Chief executive Lesley McTurk says the corporation hopes to meet the families this week but will also be referring the matter to bailiffs to enforce possession orders on the houses.

Ms McTurk says Housing New Zealand is confident of its position and will pursue the matter further if the tenants appeal to the High Court.