Residents rally against state 'slumification'

At the same time, alarm bells are ringing over council plans to rezone other parts of Glen Innes for more intensive housing.

Locals say Housing New Zealand's descriptions of "community-led solutions" and building a strong, vibrant, healthy community have not met expectations.

Housing New Zealand owns about 55 per cent of property in the working-class suburb.

Former Auckland City councillor Sherryl McKelvie said she was under the impression that Housing New Zealand's Talbot Park would showcase a new design and concept for state housing and would be more selective with tenants.

The four-year project, costing $45 million, involves upgrading and expanding the rundown housing estate from 167 to 205 properties.

It is due for completion next year.

Ms McKelvie said Housing New Zealand was tenanting the park with the unemployed and sickness beneficiaries "and that doesn't make for a good community".

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