Inquiry into the right to a decent home in Aotearoa The Human Rights Act 1993, which establishes the Human Rights Commission, is designed: “to provide better protection of human rights in New Zealand in general accordance with United Nations Covenants or Conventions on Human Rights.”1 The Act sets out the Commission’s primary functions, the first of which is: “to advocate and promote respect for, and an understanding and appreciation of, human rights in New Zealand society.” Additionally, the Act gives the Commission numerous specific functions, including: “to inquire generally into any matter, including any enactment or law, or any practice, or any procedure, whether governmental or non-governmental, if it appears to the Commission that the matter involves, or may involve, the infringement of human rights.”2 In accordance with its statutory functions, the Commission has launched an Inquiry into the right to a decent home in Aotearoa. In a series of short reports and other initiatives, the Housing Inquiry aims to provide constructive recommendations on ways that the right to a decent home, grounded on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, can contribute to a fair and dynamic housing system. The Inquiry applies Aratohu tika tangata ki te whai whare rawaka i Aotearoa: Framework Guidelines on the right to a decent home in Aotearoa, published by the Commission in August 2021, as a lens through which to consider the housing system. To date, the Inquiry’s work includes: • Housing Inquiry First Report: Strengthening Accountability and Participation in the Housing System • Housing Inquiry: Measuring Progress This initiative demonstrates how to measure the obligation to progressively realise the right to a decent home over time. o Affordability: the true cost of unaffordable housing o Habitability: poor quality housing affects health and wellbeing o Accessibility: over 100,000 people are in severe housing deprivation and struggling to access a home o Security of tenure: tenants staying in homes longer but gap remains • Understanding Accountability for Māori (forthcoming) The Housing Inquiry is designed to advance the Human Rights Commission guiding purpose, Te Whakamana Tāngata: A Life of Dignity for All. (Strategic Direction, 2020-2024) i Human Rights Act 1993, section 5(1)(a). ii Section 5(2)(h). Human Rights Commission 1