The head of a prominent Auckland property investment family disputes claims he’s been renting substandard housing to vulnerable tenants, accusing occupants of instead being “squatters”.
Anuj Gupta manages a property empire largely built up by his father Giriraj Gupta, who was a Queen’s Service Medal recipient and founder of the Indian Weekender newspaper.
Between them and their associated companies, father and son own more than 60 properties, mainly throughout Auckland, as well as motel businesses and serviced apartments.
According to figures obtained from MSD, they have collected more than $7 million in emergency housing grants since 2020, on top of rent subsidies.
Yet some of their properties have been allowed to degrade. An old home on Remuera Road, in particular, has drawn the criticism of neighbours and tenants alike.
When a Stuff reporter visited a dwelling on the property, clumps of hairy black mould the size of a human fist could be seen on the walls.
Stuff
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