#ParkUp Otara says carpark homelessness is not okay

What started as a bright idea amongst a group of Mangere flatmates has spread like wildfire across the nation, and now #ParkUp Otara will be happening this Saturday June 25. A team comprised of Manukau Institute of Technology students will be joined by local leaders, fellow students and families to park up and show their support for those doing it tough every night.

“This is a peaceful protest in a soon-to-be-announced location, where ordinary New Zealanders will be combining their voices to say that what is currently being done homeless people, many who are children, is simply not enough. We believe that we can do much better for them,” says Emily Worman, a co-ordinator for #Parkup Otara.

A number of MPs have committed to attending #ParkUpOtara, including Su’a William Sio and Jenny Salesa and organisers hope other Government ministers are able to make the trip given they are currently on a Parliamentary recess.

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) are supporting the #ParkUpForHomes campaign and have outlined a number of policy measures they believe will turn this crisis around, including the Government putting its tax and dividend from Housing New Zealand back into social housing. CPAG spokesperson Alan Johnson says he is encouraged so many Kiwis do care and he hopes the Government does too.

“Homeless has been a growing problem for perhaps ten years and it will take another ten years to solve. To address these problems will take billions of dollars over the next decade and we need all the main political parties to commit to doing this,” says Johnson.

The event location will be disclosed soon. For news about the event and to RSVP visit the Facebook page and for further information email parkupforhomes@gmail.com.

There will also be a #Parkup Parliament protest taking place in Wellington City on the same night. Visit our main Facebook page to support a #parkupforhomes event in your area.