19836 (2026). Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Associate Minister of Housing

19836 (2026). Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Associate Minister of Housing: What are the current criteria a prospective supplier must meet to be contracted by the Ministry of Social Development as an emergency housing supplier; when were those criteria last changed, and on whose advice?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) does not contract motels to provide emergency housing. Businesses register with the Ministry to receive payments from the Ministry and to opt in to the Emergency Housing supplier standards. A contractual relationship between the supplier and the Ministry is not created when accommodation providers register as a supplier to receive payments from the Ministry or opt-in to the Standards. The relationship is between the client and the supplier, the Ministry assists the client with the cost of Emergency Housing. I am further advised that Emergency Housing supplier standards ensure Emergency Housing suppliers get the basics right, so that all individuals and whānau have access to safe and suitable accommodation. The Ministry’s supplier standards set out their expectations that people staying in Emergency Housing get the same level of service and are treated with the same care and respect as any other paying guest. This is also my response to WPQ’s 19837, 19841 & 19840