40787 (2025). Arena Williams to the Associate Minister of Housing

40787 (2025). Arena Williams to the Associate Minister of Housing: Has he been made aware of any instances where applicants to the social housing register have been asked to provide multiple housing decline letters, and if so, when was he first informed?

Hon Tama Potaka: I have not been made aware of any instances where applicants for the Social Housing register have been asked to provide multiple ‘housing decline’ letters. The Ministry of Social Development advises me that an applicant must be at risk or in serious need to be eligible for social housing. The Ministry has discretion to request evidence to establish housing need where it becomes apparent an applicant has not taken reasonable action to find a home. I would encourage the member to provide my office with any specific circumstances where the member has heard of this happening, so that I can pass this information on to the Ministry of Social Development to investigate further.