Politicians only care about housing in opposition

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By Leith van Onselen

Back in 2007, then National opposition leader, John Key, lamented the woeful housing affordability in New Zealand (Auckland in particular), and promised to undertake a wide range of supply-side reforms if elected into government. John Key was elected as Prime Minister in November 2008 and the National Government ruled until September 2017.

During its term in Government, National continually played down concerns over New Zealand housing affordability and actively campaigned against policies designed to make housing cheaper, both on the demand and supply sides.

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About the author
Leith van Onselen is Chief Economist at the MB Fund and MB Super. He is also a co-founder of MacroBusiness. Leith has previously worked at the Australian Treasury, Victorian Treasury and Goldman Sachs.