P-labs flourish in managed rental properties

“In the present unregulated climate, it is relatively easy for organised crime to set itself up as a bona fide property manager, make sure that the rents are paid on time, and that externally the property looks normal, whilst inside P is manufactured at their whim,” he says.

“I regard the methanphetamine/P epidemic as the single most serious social problem in New Zealand,” Copeland says, “but property management licensing is not included in the Real Estate Agents Bill which has recently been reported back to Parliament.”

Copeland says police were not consulted during the Select Committee process, even though many submissions expressed concern at the likelihood of increased criminal activity being carried out in rental homes.

If the Government managed to bring the anti-tagging legislation to the House quickly and with cross-party support, Copeland says the same can happen in relation to the licensing of property managers.

“The public and the police are demanding action and it is time for the Government to get this issue into legislation for the good of our society and the protection of our children,” Copeland says.