A resident of a state housing block in South Auckland who witnessed a shooting is relieved to be back on the list for a social housing transfer.
Christine Nankivell first asked for a transfer in August last year and was surprised to learn she had recently been taken off the list.
She lives in Bari Lane in Mangere, where there was a non-fatal shooting last year that triggered her decision to move on from the place she's called home for four years.
"I just worry about it and I haven't seen my grandchildren since the shooting. It's just constant here and I just want out."
Nankivell said there was gang rivalry and she did not think it was a good environment for her young grandchildren to visit.
"I don't want my grandkids to see things like that and you know, it was over colours."
She wanted to move due to safety concerns and approached both Kainga Ora, which is the landlord, and the Ministry of Social Development, MSD.
Kāinga Ora tenant Christine Nankivell wants to be transferred to other social housing to escape violent neighbourhoods. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
MSD said it processed tenancy transfer requests and then Kāinga Ora matched the tenant to a housing provider.
Both agencies confirmed Nankivell asked to be transferred to another Kāinga Ora property in August last year, after one of her neighbours was shot - and had been placed on the list but since taken off due to incomplete paperwork.
Nankivell disputed that, saying she was unaware further documents were needed and that she had been removed from the list.
MSD's regional commissioner Jules Lynch invited her to get back in contact - and she did just that.
"We can confirm we have completed a social housing transfer application for Christine," Lynch said.
"She has been assessed for a one-bedroom property and is on the transfer register."
Nankivell said it was now just a matter of waiting, she hoped to be in a different home by Christmas.
"I didn't even know I was off the list. It's like playing Russian Roulette."
Kāinga Ora said it had stepped up security at the complex and was talking with the police about having regular patrols through there.
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