4. What evidence are we using to identify and understand the key problems, and is data disaggregated? Whenever feasible, it is important to disaggregate data based on factors such as ethnicity, disability, gender, age, poverty, and other disadvantaged groups. Unless data is disaggregated, it fails to reflect the experiences of disadvantaged groups. Quantitative evidence plays a crucial role, especially when data is disaggregated. However, it is unable to capture all aspects that hold significance such as dignity and manaakitanga. Therefore, research and evidence should encompass a range of methods, including quantitative, qualitative, and ethnographic approaches. Additionally, it is essential to incorporate other forms of knowing such as lived experience and mātauranga Māori. 5. As we identify the key problems, how are we ensuring the meaningful participation of disadvantaged groups? National and international human rights commitments affirm the democratic principle of ‘nothing about us, without us’. All individuals and communities are entitled to participation on issues relating to their housing, including policy making and implementation. Te Tiriti requires government to work in partnership and share decision making with its Tiriti partners. There is a lot of evidence that the active and informed participation of individuals and communities enhances outcomes. For more information on participation and community engagement see the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet’s Policy Project on community engagement,22 Te Arawhiti’s guidelines for engagement with Māori,23 International Association for Public Participation in Australasia (2015)24 and the Human Rights Commission’s Guidelines.25 Step 2: Policy formulation Define policy objectives and develop policy options 6. What policy objectives are we trying to achieve? In a complex, contested political landscape, policy objectives run the risk of becoming blurred and unrealistic. Policy makers are entitled to insist on clear, realistic policy objectives – otherwise, they are set up to fail. 7. How will each policy option advance key features of the right to a decent home? Among the important features of the right to a decent home are the seven United Nations decency housing principles: • More habitable homes – for example, dry, warm, and not overcrowded. • More affordable homes – for example, financially accessible. • More accessible homes – for example, without discrimination. • More homes with necessary services and facilities – for example, safe drinking water. • More well-located homes – for example, accessible to healthcare and schools. • More homes respectful of cultural diversity – for example, intergenerational living. • More homes with security of tenure. 2. Integrating human rights and te Tiriti o Waitangi into housing policy making 19