30 Jul 2024

Associate Defence Minister on state of military housing

From Nine To Noon, 9:05 am on 30 July 2024
images of mouldy and damp NZDF houses, provided by Mission Homefront

images of mouldy and damp NZDF houses, provided by Mission Homefront Photo: Mission Homefront

Some military families say the state of the homes provided by the Defence Force is horrendous - with black mould and damp conditions causing illness.

A group of them has launched a new campaign calling for an independent review into Defence Force housing and accommodation. 

Mission Homefront says not only are some military houses substandard, but maintenance is poor and some families struggling financially.

By law Defence Force personnel are prohibited from speaking publicly.

Erin Speedy, who lives in Waiouru with her soldier partner, is fronting the campaign - she says some of the worst examples include a family who had no toilet for two months, while another had no heating for three months.

Associate Defence Minister Chris Penk tells Kathryn he's seen the poor living conditions first hand.