29160 (2026). Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Minister of Housing

29160 (2026). Hon Kieran McAnulty to the Minister of Housing: What is the basis for his estimate that approximately 29 percent of social housing tenants could afford a lower-quartile market rent, does that estimate count the income of all members of a household or only the named tenant, and will he release the underlying analysis?

Hon Chris Bishop: I am advised that the estimate referred to is based on analysis of total household income, not just main tenant income, relative to prevailing lower-quartile market rents for a house of the size the household would require in the area where they live. This analysis is indicative and reflects a high-level assessment of ability to meet private housing costs and other expenses. It does not cover other reasons a household might require Social Housing. It is intended to inform understanding of how the system is operating overall, including how well it is targeted to those with the greatest need.