Dear Kāinga Ora–Homes and Communities,

Recently, we had our security light unit(model Securimax LHT0097) of 18 years replaced with the current model for Kainga Ora homes.

The new model which Kainga Ora have set as the current standard unit for their properties (Simx Sensor LED Max LHT0270) is smaller, and so has smaller bulbs (generally affecting brightness levels) and is half the weight, appearing more fragile and appears to be more akin to an attachment for a drone.

During the 18 year period the previous security light unit required bulb replacement on only 3 occasions, illuminated the yard fully and at good range. Movement, from the front gate for incoming intruders, and 10 feet from the house for outgoing intruders, would trigger the sensor.

The newly installed model has reduced brightness, and reduced sensor range(despite what the specifications state)- intruders would need to be closer the the house to trigger the sensor but the main problem is the level of brightness.

The previous unit which had a rating of 150 watts was replaced with the Kainga Ora's new standard unit of an 8watt rating. This a reduction of 95% in illumination. Yet, in 2005, despite our previous unit being installed at right angles to what it should be (thereby affecting sensor coverage) due to the mounting surface available for its base, it was very effective.

The only way this 'new and improved' unit would be effective is if it was used directly in a porch (leaving the yard in darkness) or in properties with smaller yards, that have existing street illumination already despite Kainga Ora being aware that their properties differ greatly (in size and shape) throughout the country and so 'one size does not fit all'(!) and so one 'standard' security light unit cannot be effective in all Kainga Ora homes.

The cost of Kainga Ora's standard Simx unit (with non replaceable bulbs) retails at about $114 whereas the previous unit-with atleast 150 watt rating-retails for between $40 and $70.Refer question 13.

The key point here is that our old (replaced) unit could be connected to the porch light which turned on when the security light activated and switched off when the security light deactivated ie the porch light would stay on for the duration of the security light. There is no point having the security light activate leaving the porch in total darkness -it defeats the purpose of the security light. The new standard unit doesn't have the capability to be connected to the porch light.

Points:
1. Contractors advised this is the new current standard light unit Kainga Ora has decided on for all Kainga Ora dwellings.

2. The previous unit offered a higher level of security ie greater illumination hence more visibility range and it was connected to the porch light ie it activated when the security light was triggered which is how it should be.

3. The previous unit of 18 years has worked well during that period- with only the bulbs needing to be changed on 3 occasions.

4. As with the previous light unit the new 'standard' unit is installed on the external wall of the porch directly facing the yard-as it should be.

5. The current standard unit has reduced illumination by 95% and hence reduced visible coverage.

6. The standard unit does not trigger the sensor until you are close to the house -the old one triggered the sensor at the front gate.

7. The standard unit doesn't have capability to connect to the porch light and so you have the situation where the yard is (poorly) illuminated leaving the porch area in complete darkness. An intruder can essentially stand in the front porch unseen -while the tenant,on seeing the security light activate will automatically go to the front door.

8. The reduced brightness(to a measly 8w) no longer allows one to see through the net curtains into the yard but with the previous unit 150 watts provided excellent illumination of the yard from within the house instead of having to go outside for a 'better look' (at the intruder?).

9. The only way to illuminate the porch with the current standard light unit is to just leave the porch light on manually overnight which is wasteful and not cost effective - for the tenant.

10 This reduced level of brightness has a significant impact on, even compromising, the purpose of the security light unit- visibilty and as a deterrent.

Questions
1- Why has Kainga Ora selected a unit (as a standard for Kainga Ora homes) that doesn't have the capability to connect to the porch light?

The ability to activate the porch light when the security sensor is triggered is significantly important. There is no point in having the security light illuminate the yard while leaving the porch in total darkness. The only way to illuminate the porch with the current standard unit is to just leave the porch light on manually overnight.

2. How have you resolved the problem of activating the porch light?

3. Do you agree that it is essential that the porch light be connected to the security light and if not, why not?

4- Was the product tested before it was chosen to be the standard security light unit for Kainga Ora homes?

5. Was Kainga Ora aware of their standard unit not having the functionality to connect to the porch light?

6 What was the criteria in selecting the Simx model unit as a standard for Kainga Ora Homes?

7. Were tenants consulted before determining the standard Simx unit?

8- What advantage does the Simx product have over the previous units ie How is it better than the previous unit?

9. Is the new unit more cost effective than the previous units?

10-Who,which department /business unit within Kainga Ora selected the Simx unit as the standard for its properties?

Was it some staff member who never lived in/grew up in a social housing property and who's objective was to save Kainga Ora money in some way- disregarding the loss of quality, security, safety, deterrant in the hopes that it would contribute to that staff member's performance assessment because his/her actions wasn't for the sake of the tenants?

11. What consideration was given to the tenants with this 95% reduction in brightness' and how was this shortfall compensated for in relation to the level of safety, security, deterrant the previous brighter units provided?

12 Do you think 8w of illumination is sufficient for a yard?

13. Is the reason for selecting this particular unit as a standard for Kainga Ora homes due to eliminating the need to replace bulbs thereby removing the requirement for Kainga Ora to pay for bulb replacement (which over the course of a year would be very significant across their housing stock), and, instead, rely on the Simx manufacturers 3 year guarantee should the bulbs develope a fault?

Both points saving Kainga Ora significant cost, albeit, at the expense of being 'fit for purpose', sufficient security, deterrant and safety of the tenants? Effectively lowering the bar they have initially set with previously more suitable products.

Here is some additonal information relevant to this request.

- Kainga ora's values:
One of Kainga Ora's values..."Our values were developed by us, for us. They unite us as an organisation and guide how we work every day - Manaakitanga - People at the Heart..."

-Kainga Ora employee criteria:

Please refer to some extracts from recent job adverts for the requirements of Kainga Ora employees.

1. Coordinator Placement role
"Kāinga Ora is on a journey with our Place-based groups to ensure we are putting people at the heart of everything we do."

"As our Coordinator Placement, you'll play a key role in coordinating and supporting the matching of our customers and their whānau to a Kāinga Ora home that will best meet their needs. "

2. Advisor placement role
"Play a key play role in matching our customers with the right home for their needs."

"Discover a truly rewarding career supporting our whānau to live well in their home and community"

"What is exciting about working for Kāinga Ora is getting the chance to make a real and positive impact on New Zealanders' lives. With skills, planning and purposeful action, our people are creating the homes and neighbourhoods that will build the future of Aotearoa."

"...supporting whānau who are transferring homes to help ensure the right house and supports are put in place for our customer and their family."

"Key to your success will be your ability to quickly and comprehensively assess and understand our customers' housing and support needs, utilising your array of observational skills and motivational and investigative interviewing techniques."

"You'll have strong observational and practical analytical skills to make sense of complex, sometimes contradictory customer needs, to effectively problem solve with whānau and individuals to identify the best available property"

"Your cultural awareness and competency will ensure you interact with customers in an inclusive and respectful way that is aligned to their aspirations and preferences"

"As a Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities employee, we want to make sure that you have all the tools and support you need. We want to ensure you are healthy and have work-life balance. We also want to support and grow your personal and career development through on-the-job learning, training courses, secondments and study opportunities. "

If only Kainga Ora's caring values extended to the tenant - those responsible for their jobs existing in the first place.

Lastly, the significant key points are..

1. 8watts for a security light to illuminate a yard is is impractical and not fit for purpose. Such a unit would only be suitable for large enclosed porches not a yard.

2. The current standard unit for Kainga Ora homes doesn't have the capability to connect to the porch light- an essential feature -a must have- otherwise you end up with an illuminated yard and a porch in darkness which defeats the purpose of the security light. Refer to point 7 above.

3. Refer to question 13 above

Yours faithfully,

David Dahya

Dear Kainga Ora Correspondence,

I do not consider this request adequately answered. I would like each individual question answered,leaving no room for aspersions or assumptions from your single 'general' response to all of my 13 questions, in particular, questions 2,3 & 5.

This should be relatively easy if Kainga Ora have investigated this matter thoroughly or even adequately.

I have also, added a few more questions for you.

14. Do you consider the effectiveness/level of security for the tenant has increased or decreased in choosing the current standard unit that no longer automatically activates the porch light?

Please keep in mind the following scenario..

An intruder enters the property at night ,activating the sensor while in the yard, the tenant noticing the security light activating goes to the front door, while porch is in complete darkness the intruder has had time to conceal himself somewhere in the porch, the tenant turns on porch light and sees nothing from within the house before stepping out into the porch.

The point of having the porch illuminated PRIOR to someone entering it with ill intent is to act as a deterrent. What deterrent is there while the porch light remains off?

15. Also ,with visitors, isn't it safer to for them to approach the porch while it is illuminated ie what is the point of having any steps leading towards the house illuminated yet leaving the porch steps(and the entire porch) in darkness?

16. Was there any notification, at the time the new units were introduced in 2016, to all tenants that the current standard security lights offered a reduced 'functionality' (did not offer same level of security) and did that notification outline that there was a disadvantage compared to the chosen current standard units?

17. Does the move away from incandescent bulbs also save Kainga Ora money in having to replace bulbs(as opposed to the fixed bulbs in the current standard unit)?

18. Why has the maintenance call I logged over a month ago been listed under 'Cancelled' in MykaingaOra account and noted as "This maintenance request is now part of another request. You can check this on your current maintenance view " yet it does not appear under 'Current maintenance' or anywhere?

19. Is it because it has been put in the too hard basket and is now 'cancelled' but is not recorded as such?

20.If it is still active (because it hasn't been actioned nor have I received an update on it) why am I wasting my time on it when you have paid staff specifically trained to address this?

21. Lastly, do any of the industry experts you consulted with, in choosing this new standard, currently live in a Kainga Ora home (for more than 10 years) or have previously lived in one for over 10 years?

Also, a landlords obligation is to ensure any change to security utilities should be equivilant or better but not lesser. This also relates to relative peace and comfort and welfare of tenants referenced in the Residential Tenanacies act.

22. Did you consult with any one who has lived in a Kainga Ora home for a period of 10 years as well as those exceeding the lifespan of the previous security light units?

23. You advise your decision was measured against 'product performance requirements' - did these requirements involve consultation with Kainga Ora tenants?

24. If Incandescent lighting is no longer acceptable(and that is one reason for choosing the new units) -why doesn't Kainga Ora replace all of the old units now?

25. You have advised this 'feedback' has been passed to the Kainga Ora quality team- did they not quality test the product when it was introduced in 2016?

Yours sincerely,

D Dahya