Govt Achieves 32% Reduction in Emergency Housing Use, Targets 75% Cut by 2030

Recent statistics reveal a 32% decrease in households living in motels, a dramatic improvement in just six months.

The New Zealand Government's initiative to reduce reliance on emergency housing has shown significant success, according to Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka. Recent statistics reveal a 32% decrease in households living in motels, a dramatic improvement in just six months.

"Emergency housing has been a major public policy issue, evolving from a temporary solution for a few families to a widespread crisis affecting thousands of tamariki," says Mr. Potaka. "Our Government has pledged to address this and we are making substantial progress. Over 1,000 tamariki have moved from motels into permanent homes under our current administration."

Since December, the number of households in emergency housing has dropped from 3,141 to 2,133. Notably, Auckland has seen a significant reduction, with numbers falling from 624 to 354 households in just three months. Similarly, Canterbury’s figures have decreased from 285 to 183.

The Government aims to cut the number of households in emergency housing by 75% by 2030. Emergency housing is now considered a last resort, used only in urgent cases and for brief periods. To achieve this goal, several measures have been implemented, including the Priority One category introduced in April. This category prioritizes families with dependent tamariki who have been in emergency housing for over 12 weeks, placing them at the top of the social housing waitlist. Since its introduction, 540 families have been moved out of emergency housing under this priority.

In addition to increasing the supply of social housing and expanding support services, the Government is implementing new requirements for those accessing emergency housing. Starting at the end of this month, applicants may need to provide proof of their housing situation and agree to certain responsibilities, including paying their emergency housing contribution and participating in activities to secure permanent housing. These activities may involve meetings with housing brokers, attending rental readiness courses, or engaging with support services.

Failure to meet these obligations may result in warnings and, if non-compliance continues, a 13-week ban on receiving Emergency Housing Grants.

"Addressing the issue of emergency housing requires bold and radical actions, and we are committed to delivering on these fronts," Mr. Potaka concludes.