58755 (2025). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Associate Minister of Housing

58755 (2025). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Associate Minister of Housing: How does the Minister reconcile reports of people with children being turned away from emergency accommodation with the Government’s claims that its welfare and housing policy changes are easing hardship and improving outcomes for children?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am proud of our track record of improving outcomes for children and whānau, especially those who had been in emergency housing for 12 weeks or more. Those whānau were bumped to the top of the social housing waitlist and by increasing the supply of social housing and investing in more support products and services we have been able to get people into stable housing, including private rentals. This is better for whānau in the short and long term than emergency accommodation. This means thousands of tamariki who were previously consigned with their whānau to grow up in dank motel rooms are now living in better homes. Homes where they have a better opportunity for regular school attendance, to maintain enrolment with local health services, and to enjoy all the other benefits of having a stable home in a community. Our focus is on helping people into the right housing solution for them, one that supports their stability, independence, and their long-term wellbeing. When someone asks for housing support, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) first looks at every available option to help them avoid homelessness. That might mean connecting them with a private rental, transitional housing, or other forms of support that offer greater security and opportunity than emergency accommodation. In those cases, emergency housing isn't being denied, they're being guided toward a better option. Emergency housing will always be available as a last resort for those whānau who need it, and MSD staff can and do use their discretion when assessing emergency housing applications.