58764 (2025). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction

58764 (2025). Hon Jan Tinetti to the Minister for Child Poverty Reduction: What specific assurances, if any, has the Minister sought from the Ministry of Social Development that Work and Income case managers’ use of “contributing to their own homelessness” as a reason to decline emergency accommodation does not leave children without safe, stable housing?

Hon Louise Upston: I am advised by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) that where a household has children, an MSD Manager must review the case before Emergency Housing is declined. Every client has the right to request a review of decision (RoD) if they disagree with MSD on the outcome of their application for emergency housing. Every new application for emergency housing is assessed on its own merits. MSD has regional contacts and meet regularly with advocates to check on our services and have pathways available for them to escalate concerns and RoDs. Providers should talk directly to Managers Regional Housing or Managers of the client’s Service Centre if they have a concern. All regions are expected to undertake monitoring of their EH grants and declines to ensure correct practice and decision making is occurring. For the Quarter ending September 2025, there were 2,374 declines to emergency housing. Of those, approximately 41% were referred to a more suitable Transitional Housing solution. 51% were supported to either maintain their current housing or obtain a private rental, or received another hardship assistance, avoiding the need for emergency housing.