Hon Amy Adams
Minister for Social Housing
Hon Alfred Ngaro
Associate Minister for Social Housing
13 June 2017 Media Statement

Over 1000 new transitional housing places

More transitional housing is coming online every week across New Zealand, helping more vulnerable families in urgent need of housing.

“We’ve made a commitment to help New Zealanders find their feet in tough times, and our transitional housing places do just that,” Social Housing Minister Amy Adams says.

“Nationwide we now have 1004 safe, warm and dry transitional places for families in need. This means 4000 households a year can benefit from the progress we’ve made so far. We’re on track to achieve our aim of 2150 places by the end of the year, which means many more will benefit.”

Associate Social Housing Minister Alfred Ngaro says more places are scheduled to open in the coming weeks and months, particularly in Auckland.

“As winter sets in, it becomes even more important that families in need have access to safe, warm and dry housing, so these 1000 transitional places will be a significant help ,” Mr Ngaro says.

“441 of these 1000 places are in Auckland, where demand is highest. This means we can support 1764 Auckland families with a safe and secure place to stay while we find them.”

“The 2150 transitional housing places are just one part of our plan to support New Zealanders in need of housing, from urgent shelter to long-term social housing. We are also increasing the number of social houses from 66,000 today to 72,000 over the next three years,” Ms Adams says.

Transitional housing by the numbers
• Secured 1004 places as at 9 June, supporting 4000 families
• 441 of these are in Auckland.
• Planning for 2150 transitional houses by end of 2017

Our social housing plan:
This year, the Government will spend $2.3 billion supporting 310,000 households with their accommodation. Additionally, those seeking immediate shelter can access a Special Needs Grant for accommodation. We have invested $354 million to help 8600 families every year with a warm, safe place to stay. 3660 of these will be in Auckland. We are also growing the number of social houses available, from 66,000 today to 72,000 by 2020.

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