Recent changes in emergency housing rules have resulted in a significant increase in the number of applications being declined, with 10.1 percent being rejected in August alone. This marks a notable rise from previous months where the decline rate had never exceeded 3.8 percent. The trend has been steadily increasing throughout the year, with July seeing a 5.6 percent decline rate before spiking in August.
Notably, the 34 to 44-year-old age group experienced a doubling in the rejection rate, with over 12 percent of applications being declined. Meanwhile, only just over 4 percent of applications from individuals aged 65 to 74 were turned down.
Zac Thomas, president of Renters United, expressed concern over the government’s handling of emergency housing, stating that the current figures undermine their claims and could exacerbate homelessness in New Zealand.
Karen Hocking, group general manager of housing at the Ministry for Social Development, explained that recent changes were aimed at ensuring emergency housing is reserved for those with no other viable housing options. This includes placing new responsibilities on individuals staying in emergency housing for more than a week, such as actively seeking alternative housing solutions and engaging with support services.
Green MP Ricardo Menendez-March criticized the heightened criteria for emergency housing, emphasizing the need for a focus on public housing construction to address the housing crisis effectively.
The Greens are urging the government to prioritize the build-up of public housing and remove barriers that hinder access to emergency housing, ultimately aiming to provide stable and adequate housing for families in need.
