19839 (2026). Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Associate Minister of Housing

19839 (2026). Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Associate Minister of Housing: What does the Ministry of Social Development mean by being "at capacity for Emergency Housing suppliers", as stated by a Manager Client Services Delivery in the Canterbury Region on 13 May 2026; and is this her personal view or Ministry policy?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) is confident there is sufficient capacity in Canterbury to support people eligible for emergency housing. There are currently 22 Emergency Housing suppliers in the region who have opted in to the Ministry’s Emergency Housing Supplier Standards. I am advised that the Canterbury region has not had to decline any eligible applicants for emergency housing due to a lack of capacity. I am further advised that the Ministry is not seeking additional suppliers in Canterbury, as there is sufficient supply. I am also advised that the Ministry does not contract Emergency Housing Suppliers. Rather it pays suppliers the Emergency Housing Grant on behalf of eligible people. Information about becoming an Emergency Housing supplier is available on the Work and Income website at: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/providers/housing-providers/emergency-housing/how-to-become-an-eh-supplier.html