Get the latest direct to your inbox twice a week. Sign up today. 
‘Miscommunications Manager’
It’s a Christmas miracle. An Auckland man came back from the dead this week after Housing New Zealand reported him dead.
A letter sent to a StopPress reporter living in the Waterview area included an update of a local redevelopment and condolences over a neighbour’s death.
“On a more sombre note, we were extremely saddened to hear the passing of our neighbour at number 29*…. On behalf of Housing New Zealand, we’d like to pass on our condolences to neighbours, friends and family.”
This came as a shock to those in the neighbourhood, but not to worry. The next day a second letter arrived with an update of number 29’s status.
“It would appear that we’d been given some ‘duff’ information and that number 29* is very much still with us.”
Kudos to Housing New Zealand’s Gez Johns for embracing the unfortunate mistake and signing out as the ‘miscommunications manager’.
We hope number 29* enjoys the Christmas hamper and the flowers as he lives happily in his lush garden with his Russian nesting dolls.
*Numbers and names have been changed for the purpose of this story.
