Kāinga Ora has reduced response times for dealing with disruptive tenant complaints, resolving cases in an average of 13 days compared to 60 days in early 2024.

New data revealed that since July 2024, 553 Section 55A notices have been issued to tenants for disruptive behaviour—13 times the number issued during the same period last year.

Housing Minister Chris Bishop said the shift has led to improved outcomes for affected communities.

“In March 2024, we instructed Kāinga Ora to end the Sustaining Tenancies Framework, which allowed tenants to remain in their homes regardless of their behaviour,” Bishop said. “Neighbours, often Kāinga Ora tenants themselves, were tired of dealing with threatening or disruptive behaviour, so we directed the agency to take a stronger approach.”

In November 2024, Kāinga Ora received 538 complaints about disruptive behaviour, with decisions made within 15 business days in 98 per cent of cases.

By December, the number of unresolved cases dropped to just over 200, with decisions now averaging 13 days.

Of the Section 55A notices issued since July, 83 per cent were first notices, 16 per cent were second notices, and less than 2 per cent were third notices, which can result in tenancy termination.

“This data shows most tenants are responding to early intervention and changing their behaviour,” Bishop said. “For those who don’t, we will not tolerate ongoing disruption.”

Between July and November 2024, 23 tenancies were ended due to abusive or disruptive behaviour, compared to just four in all of 2023. Relocations were also used to resolve conflicts, with 101 tenants moved during this period. In two-thirds of these cases, no further complaints were reported in the tenants’ new homes.

Bishop said the changes aim to protect the majority of Kāinga Ora tenants who follow the rules. “I hope it has made their lives easier, knowing they no longer have to put up with disruptive neighbours,” he said, thanking Kāinga Ora