It’s great to see a party with the courage of their convictions:
Government look at hardline measure to seize property for development
Landbankers could have property seized by the Government if the land is within certain areas marked for housing development.
Wait – what?
Housing Minister Nick Smith said today that such a hardline measure to override private title for development in certain areas was a “big call”.
Probably the first true thing he’s said in years.
“If you look at many of the other governments in other parts of the world that have used those powers, they have worked effectively.
Citations needed.
“Yes, we are the National Party, but we have responded in a very pragmatic way to the challenges in Christchurch. And that has involved overcoming some of those pure views about property rights.
“We are pragmatic, and pragmatic answers are needed to the housing challenge that New Zealand has.”
I don’t often agree with the Nats, but I think there are (rare) circumstances where land bankers could be paid off, moved on, and the land put to use. But – the extinguishing of private property rights? Seizure of land? Just imagine if Labour had proposed it. There would have been an instant orgy of political and media outrage. Because it’s National though, there will be barely a whisper.
Powered by WPtouch Mobile Suite for WordPress