The Government has achieved its goal to reduce households in emergency motels by 75 per cent five years early.
The Associate Housing Minister, Tama Potaka, says the reduction is a significant milestone. The number of households in emergency housing motels peaked at 4,983 in November 2021 and decreased to 3,141 in December 2023. Further reductions are expected, with only 591 households remaining by December 2024.
Mr Potaka acknowledges that long stays in emergency housing have disproportionately affected Māori communities. The Government's Priority One policy has been instrumental in reducing wait times for families with children. A steady supply of social housing and a combined effort across agencies to support people into stable housing have also contributed to the decline.
The Government is committed to sustaining progress over the long-term, increasing the supply of social housing, and investing in support products and services to get people into stable housing. This achievement reflects the Government's commitment to ensuring Kiwis live in quality housing rather than motel rooms.