Under 1000 households remain in emergency housing.
The Government's efforts to support people into better homes have seen a significant reduction in the number of households still in emergency housing, with numbers dropping below 1000 since coming into office one year ago. Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka attributes this progress to a strong focus on providing permanent solutions for those in need.
According to latest figures, the total number of households living in emergency housing motels has been reduced by 68 percent under the current Government, from 3,141 in December last year to 993 at the end of October 2024. The spending on emergency housing has also decreased, from about $31.6 million in October 2023 to $10.76 million in October 2024.
The introduction of the Priority One policy in April has been instrumental in achieving this progress, with 786 households and 1,608 children being placed in social housing through the pathway. Efforts will continue to be made to prioritize these households and find them permanent homes. The Government aims to reduce the number of households in emergency housing by 75 percent by 2030.
Additionally, a two-year trial is being conducted with Emerge Aotearoa and Wellington City Mission to support single people and couples without children living in emergency housing for over 12 months. The trial will provide up to 100 people with targeted support, focusing on those not already registered for another housing service.