30645 (2025). Takutai Tarsh Kemp to the Associate Minister of Housing

30645 (2025). Takutai Tarsh Kemp to the Associate Minister of Housing: How many, if any, young people under 25 have been denied access to emergency housing by MSD since August 2024, and what were the reasons given?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development’s (MSD’s) practice and data capture in respect of emergency housing declines has improved, with all applications now having the result recorded, providing greater transparency for clients. However, this makes it difficult to compare data before and after implementation of the new rules for entry into emergency housing. Emergency Housing is a last resort for those in genuine need. Where other, more suitable options such as Transitional Housing are available, people are expected to take up the option and may be declined emergency housing. Where MSD clients have been declined emergency housing, they may be offered other forms of assistance such as: Housing Brokerage, Rental Readiness skills, the Accommodation Supplement, Bond Grant, Moving Costs Grant, Costs (rent) in Advance Grant or a Tenancy Costs Cover Grant. Where MSD has been required to decline emergency housing, people may be referred to Transitional Housing Providers contracted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Transitional Housing provides accommodation and support for clients to stay for up to 12 weeks, while they look for more stable longer-term accommodation. I refer the Member to the attached table, which provides the number of Emergency Housing Grants declined for clients aged 16 to 24 during 1 August 2024 to 31 May 2025 by month and reason for decline.