52187 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Associate Minister of Housing

52187 (2024). Tamatha Paul to the Associate Minister of Housing: What criteria, if any, will the Ministry of Social Development use to evaluate whether an individual has contributed to their own homelessness?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) that staff already have discretion to consider whether an applicant has caused or contributed to their immediate need for emergency housing. This existing setting will continue from 26 August 2024. A person may be considered to have caused or contributed to their immediate emergency housing need if: - their situation is a result of their own actions (or actions of people they are responsible for) and - they were reasonably able to predict and prevent the situation. Each situation will be evaluated based on the person’s circumstances. Examples of situations where the Ministry may find the person has caused or contributed to their need include: - the person cannot remain in their usual accommodation due to damaging the property or other anti-social behaviour (e.g. threats, intimidation, drug or alcohol abuse, theft), or - the person left their usual accommodation and moved to another area without a good reason and before securing accommodation for themselves and their immediate family. From 26 August 2024, the Ministry may require an applicant to provide supporting evidence about their situation. This will help ensure emergency housing is going to those in genuine need.