Factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic environment have driven increased hardship and poverty here in Aotearoa, however the government’s public housing system should be prepared for such headwinds. We must learn from this crisis quickly, so that children and young people who have experienced the stress of emergency accommodation can grow up with hope for their future and as vibrant members of our community. Successive governments have promised to do everything they can, within their power and resources, to create the conditions that allow everyone to enjoy secure, warm, dry, affordable, accessible, decent homes. We hope that this report can go some way to holding the current and future governments to account for keeping this promise. This report provides, for the first time, an outline of the human rights obligations of government for emergency and transitional housing. I want to sincerely thank everyone who shared their experiences and ideas with us. Alongside the failings, we heard of many innovative and deeply compassionate efforts to lift people out of homelessness. That’s how, in the future, our emergency housing system can and should be defined. These obligations are derived from the right to a decent home, as set out in the International Bill of Human Rights, Convention on the Rights of the Child, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Paul Hunt It is crucial Tangata Whenua solutions to homelessness are grasped by government agencies because most people living in the emergency housing system are Tangata Whenua, and because we have seen how these solutions naturally dignify people and promote their human rights. Chief Commissioner | Te Amokapua New Zealand Human Rights Commission | Te Kāhui Tika Tangata 12 December 2022 5