Three Lower Hutt families with gang connections will appeal a Tenancy Tribunal decision that would see them evicted from their state housing units.
In March, Housing NZ served 90-day notices to three women living in a state housing block in the suburb of Pomare after neighbours complained about intimidation, threats and burglary.
Police arrested and charged several Mongrel Mob members as a result of investigations, some of whom were partners of the tenants in question.
The tenants refused to adhere to the eviction notices and the case ended up in the tribunal.
In a reserved decision released yesterday, the tribunal ruled in favour of Housing NZ, after the government agency argued it was simply seeking possession of its units, as it -- and any other landlord -- was entitled to do as long as correct procedures were followed.
Robert Lithgow, QC, who represented the women at the tribunal hearing, argued the evictions were discriminatory and breached the Bill of Rights Act.
He told NZPA his clients would appeal the decision to the District Court and this morning said the women had already drafted appeals and would seek a stay on their eviction.
He said the Government had a plan.
"They are going to have a go at the Mongrel Mob and they don't care who they hurt on the way," he told Radio New Zealand.
Housing NZ chief executive Lesley McTurk said the organisation would give the women a reasonable amount of time to leave the properties and help them find more accommodation.
She said the tenants could appeal the tribunal's decision and seek a stay on the eviction order.
NZPA