The Government has told Housing New Zealand to make significant improvements to its 0800 service.
The Labour Party says waiting times for people using the service are getting worse, with clients waiting on average 48 minutes before a call is answered.
Speaking on behalf of the Housing Minister, Maurice Williamson told Parliament that Housing New Zealand has been given a directive to improve the performance of the free phone service.
Mr McCully says Housing New Zealand has signalled it will make it its top priority.
