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