Section 1: Introduction 1. Reinforced by the international right to a decent home, a fair and effective housing system plays a vital role in society. In Aotearoa, this fundamental human right is grounded on Te Tiriti. These Guidelines aim to advance a housing system that is based on a set of explicit values, the human right to a decent home, Te Tiriti and evidence of what works.2 2. The Guidelines have six sections: This Introduction provides background, explains terms and outlines how the Guidelines can help all of us improve housing in Aotearoa. Section 2 highlights the unique context within which the Guidelines are located, with a focus on colonisation and Te Tiriti. Section 3 is the heart of the Guidelines: it outlines eight key features of the right to a decent home grounded on Te Tiriti. Section 4 explains the obligations or responsibilities which arise from the key features outlined in section 3 e.g. it briefly outlines a human rights approach to policy making in relation to the right to a decent home grounded on Te Tiriti. 12 Human Rights Commission Section 5 signals the role of the private sector in relation to the right to a decent home grounded on Te Tiriti. The Guidelines provide a framework and the Conclusion points out some of the work that is needed to develop and apply this framework in the months and years ahead. 3. Four Appendices provide supplementary information and resources. 4. Each of the sections includes one or more Guidelines. In total, there are twenty-one Guidelines. Each is clearly highlighted for ease of reference. Guideline 1: In Aotearoa, the housing system must be explicitly based on values (as outlined in Guideline 10), the international right to a decent home, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and evidence of what works.