New Zealanders in need being failed by government - report

Source: Child Poverty Action Group

A research report released today is the latest proof that Auckland’s housing crisis is at breaking point and that those most in need are being systemically ignored by our government.

The publication of these troubling statistics coincides with Hikoi for Homes - a major series of rallies occurring this weekend in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to highlight the dire state of inaccessibility to safe and affordable housing in New Zealand.

"Invisible in the SuperCity: Hidden Homelessness in Auckland", published by The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit, shows that 49% of respondents who "reported not having had an initial eligibility interview or an assessment interview" and that "slightly less than half of the respondents with children (41%) who answered the questions around interaction with MSD had no contact with MSD in relation to their housing need".

New housing builds also fall short of population growth, meaning that "already disadvantaged people are further disadvantaged".

Declining house purchase rates, connected to lack of availability and consequent overpricing, exert yet more pressure on an already bursting rental market.

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Saturday’s marches are jointly organised by the Child Poverty Action Group, Auckland Action Against Poverty, First Union and Unite. The Auckland event takes in Glen Innes - a suburb densely populated with state housing - before passing through Kohimarama and Orakei, one of New Zealand’s richest areas.

Hikoi for Homes spokesperson, Sue Bradford, says, "We are visiting this area because we want to highlight the contrast between the realities of homelessness and the housing of the very wealthy. The people we work with aren’t after an Eastern Bays mansion, but they do want a safe, warm roof over their heads at night, not a car or a blanket in a bus shelter."

HIKOI FOR HOMES - Saturday 21 November:

Auckland

Start: 12pm, Glen Innes Railway Station

Finish: Orakei Domain

Wellington

Start: 1pm, Cuba Mall, near Left Bank

Finish: Civic Square

Christchurch

Start: 12pm, 9 Buckleys Road, Linwood (opposite Eastgate Shopping Centre)

These are family-friendly events - children welcome.

www.hikoiforhomes.co.nz

ENDS

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