A social housing tenant lost his home after shouting profanity at government workers three times during dog disputes. Vena Funaki faced eviction from his Otara property when Kainga Ora staff visited about his pets. The Tenancy Tribunal ruled against him after finding three separate incidents of bad behavior. Housing officials needed proof of multiple problems before they could remove him from the house. The agency successfully showed Funaki had acted badly several times during a three-month period.
Problems started when Funaki met with workers about his dog attacking a tradesperson last September. He screamed curse words at two employees as the meeting ended. Staff members heard him continue using bad language as he walked through the building lobby. Two weeks passed before housing workers returned to check whether he had removed the animals as promised. Funaki became angry and told the visitors to leave using offensive words.
Senior housing managers made a final visit on October 31 after receiving reports that dogs remained on the property. Funaki admitted keeping the animals and threatened to fight the housing agency in court. He waved his arms and shouted more curse words as the managers left his property. The tribunal found that Kainga Ora had properly warned Funaki after each incident.
The housing agency changed how it handles problem tenants starting last July. Workers try to understand what causes bad behavior and connect people with health services when possible. The agency terminated 63 tenancies this year compared to just 12 tenancies the previous year.
Problems started when Funaki met with workers about his dog attacking a tradesperson last September. He screamed curse words at two employees as the meeting ended. Staff members heard him continue using bad language as he walked through the building lobby. Two weeks passed before housing workers returned to check whether he had removed the animals as promised. Funaki became angry and told the visitors to leave using offensive words.
Senior housing managers made a final visit on October 31 after receiving reports that dogs remained on the property. Funaki admitted keeping the animals and threatened to fight the housing agency in court. He waved his arms and shouted more curse words as the managers left his property. The tribunal found that Kainga Ora had properly warned Funaki after each incident.
The housing agency changed how it handles problem tenants starting last July. Workers try to understand what causes bad behavior and connect people with health services when possible. The agency terminated 63 tenancies this year compared to just 12 tenancies the previous year.
