1. Address the inconsistencies between the two different initiatives (emergency accommodation and transitional housing) and create a single, unified system of emergency housing. The new unified system must meet urgent housing need at a range of levels and support requirements, without stigmatisation, and with a focus on relational rather than transactional services. It must take particular account of the rights, wellbeing, and specific needs of children and young people experiencing homelessness. The new system must be designed, developed, and delivered in full partnership with Tangata Whenua, and respond to Māori needs and Te Ao Māori responses to homelessness. This partnership is imperative to ensure that Te Tiriti o Waitangi failures are not repeated or further entrenched. As much as possible, the system must actively support and build on place-based responses led by community, hapū and iwi initiatives. We highlight the good practice of many kaupapa Māori providers and encourage Government and agencies to think innovatively in the development of a new emergency housing system. We emphasise the importance of working with those who have lived experience of homelessness and the emergency housing system. Participation and engagement are a key feature of the right to a decent home, as we have outlined in the Guidelines and the Inquiry’s 2021 report.91 We recognise that HUD and other agencies are already striving to deepen public participation in the housing landscape. Te MAIHI Whare Wānanga, HUD’s place-based approach and the Homelessness Action Plan demonstrate a commitment to participation. These proposals, combined with existing community-led initiatives, should drive and inspire the system redevelopment. 2. Phase out the use of uncontracted commercial accommodation suppliers receiving the Emergency Housing Special Needs Grant to deliver emergency accommodation as soon as possible. We are aware HUD has trialled a pilot of ‘contracted emergency housing’, which involves delivery of emergency accommodation through contracted moteliers with wraparound services on site. This is not a long-term solution given the serious issues we have highlighted with the use of motel accommodation, particularly for prolonged periods. However, we recognise it is unacceptable to leave people with nowhere to go if emergency accommodation provided by uncontracted commercial accommodation suppliers is phased out with no replacement. In the short term we consider the use of contracted motels with wraparound services is a significantly better alternative than uncontracted commercial accommodation suppliers. Contracted motels with wraparound services are only a short-term solution until more appropriate transitional housing, public housing, and sustainable private rental housing is adequate to meet demand. It cannot, like the emergency housing grant initiative, continue to operate at a scale well beyond its original intention and become relied on as a major part of the emergency housing system over time. 3. Commit to adequately protecting the rights of those in the emergency housing system, either by amending the Residential Tenancies Act or by creating an alternative mechanism that is significantly stronger than the current draft Code of Practice for Transitional Housing. This commitment is required both by human rights law and Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations. 61