Residents in three of New Zealand's low-income communities have expressed pride in where they live. But they also feel that Linwood in Christchurch, Porirua in Wellington and Papakura in Auckland have been forgotten by the government, local councils and others in their cities. Those views are contained in a Salvation Army report, the State of Our Communities, which involved 300 face-to-face interviews. The report says New Zealand is at an interesting time in its history, with a new government "full of promises, new ideas and zeal". "Yet some of the social issues we face in Aotearoa are deeply entrenched, complex and severe," it said. Among issues of most concern to those interviewed were: more jobs, especially for young people; a stronger local economy and business sector; homelessness, high rents and a lack of decent housing; more activities and greater safety for children; gangs, drugs and begging. "People held a pride and passion for their community," the report said. "But they were also realistic and brutally honest about the enormity of the social issues facing their community." However, they had real hopes, dreams and aspirations. - www.newshub.co.nz