PHOTO: FILE
🏚️ A Rental Horror Story: What Really Happened in King Country?
In a shocking case out of King Country, Wana Aramoana and his family were evicted after he threatened to “smash” a female property manager. The Tenancy Tribunal ruled the threats were “abundantly threatening,” and the situation left the property manager too scared to return — especially after learning the tenants knew where she lived.
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⚠️ Verbal Abuse Escalates
Tensions erupted when Aramoana reportedly swore repeatedly and escalated to threats of violence. His daughters joined in, with one allegedly yelling:
“Karma’s a fen bch and it’s going to come back on you!”*
Another added:
“Let’s hope he [Dad] doesn’t do anything or the others don’t.”
👩⚖️ Tenancy Tribunal Takes Action
Tribunal adjudicator Jeanette Maher confirmed the threats were intimidating and justified ending the tenancy, even with a young baby in the home. Though there was no direct proof Aramoana approved of his daughters’ threats, their involvement added to the property manager’s fear.
Despite being notified, Aramoana didn’t attend the original hearing — later claiming a medical emergency with his daughter. However, no evidence supported the claim that she was flown to hospital.
🚫 No Tolerance for Abuse
The NZ Property Investors Federation backed the Tribunal’s decision, stressing their zero-tolerance policy toward threats or violence against landlords and property managers. Federation spokesperson Matt Ball said many women in the industry fear for their safety:
“Some managers only send male staff to certain homes. This is not acceptable.”
Ball added that rising aggression isn’t unique to real estate — similar patterns are seen in retail and public-facing industries.
📝 Legal Context: Know Your Rights
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A landlord must give 90 days’ notice to end a tenancy in most cases, or 42 days under specific conditions.
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As of March 2024, victims of family violence can leave a tenancy with just 2 days’ notice, penalty-free.
📣 Call for a Fairer, Safer System
Renters United has yet to comment on the case, but they’ve highlighted the need for a dispute resolution process that is fair, timely, and well-resourced. Tenants shouldn’t need “endless time and energy” to resolve issues.
SOURCE:NZHERALD