The National government introduced full market rents in 1991 to reduce the state role in housing provision. From the start, public debate over state housing policy in New Zealand has centred on this very issue: how far should governments intervene in the housing market.
Val Wilson outside the Dixon Street Flats in Wellington. In 1992 Val received a government Woman Alone Benefit of $134 per week, out of which she paid $49 per week in rent. With the introduction of full market rents, this was to increase to $140 per week by 1995.
