The new Tiaki Wai water bills go to homeowners. In Cannons Creek, it’s renters who are talking to us about them.
Most of the whānau our budgeting team works with rent their homes. Christine Tawhara, one of our budget mentors, says some have already been told by their landlord that the rent will go up to cover the new cost.
“They haven’t had any increase yet, but it’s to come,” Christine says. “The landlord’s basically passing the cost on to the tenant.”
Rent can only go up once every 12 months, which may be why no one she works with has had an increase so far.
These are whānau who already budget to the dollar. A mum with two kids might have about $250 a week for groceries, and some are getting a kai box from us to make it stretch. A rent rise comes out of the grocery money.
“The first thing that has to go in their budget is the grocery bill. That’s where they make the adjustment,” Christine says. “I don’t think it’s good.”
If your landlord has talked to you about a rent rise, come and see us before it arrives. Our budget mentors will go through your numbers with you, and it’s free.
To book a budgeting session with Christine, drop into the Porirua Whānau Centre, or visit www.poriruawhanau.org.nz. You can also be referred through WINZ, housing providers, or other community services.