25 May 2020
Christiana Torricelli
By email:
[FYI request #12712 email] Dear Christiana
Official information request
I refer to your requests for information under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act)
dated 26 April 2020.
Each of your requests, and the University’s response, is set out below.
“I would like an explanation of how the University and Accomodations (sic)
Service set Housing fees. For example, square footage, location, amenities. For
buildings next to each other - within 2 blocks of each other - an explanation as to
why the fees vary - (eg (sic) Education House and 222 Willis).”
When setting fees, the University first prepares a budget for all halls of residence. This
budget is used to set the base rate per student across all halls of residence. The base rate
is then adjusted for catering, and location where halls of residence are within five minutes
and fifteen minutes walking distance of the University. The location weighting for halls of
residence within five minutes walking distance of the University is higher than the
location weighting for halls of residence within fifteen minutes walking distance of the
University.
In the case of 222 Willis Street Hall (222 Willis) and Willis Street Hall – Education House
(Education House), 222 Willis is within 15 minutes walking distance of the University,
while Education House is outside of this walking distance. Because of that, the fees for
222 Willis include a location weighting, but the fees for Education House do not.
“I would also like to know the procedure and practice in place for cleaning and
replacing soft furnishings, appliances and the interior or student housing in
between student lettings and how often mattresses and floor coverings are
replaced.”
Communal areas in halls of residence are cleaned on a regular basis. Room cleaning and
furnishing replacement is done on an ad hoc basis. Some items, like mattresses, have
lifespans. In those cases, they are replaced often and generally before the end of the item’s
lifespan. Every time a student moves out of a hall, the room is assessed. Anything that is
broken will be either fixed or replaced. New mattress protectors are provided for each
student. Floor coverings are addressed in the building lease and will be fixed straight
away if damaged.
If you wish to discuss this response with us, please feel free to contact me at
[VUW request email]. Yours sincerely
Georgia Tawharu
Adviser, Information Access and Copyright
