Increasing numbers of people experiencing homelessness

July 22, 2025

Housing First Ōtautahi Manager Nic Fleming was quoted in a recent article about the rise in homelessness across the city.

“Unfortunately we have seen an increase which now includes tamariki and elderly which is very worrying,” says Nic.

“Why? poverty, food prices, lack of housing options:  limited one bedrooms, and most are in complexes which don’t suit a number of people, lack and reduced numbers of emergency housing, unemployment, lack of Kāinga Ora properties, those with high risk or addiction are often overlooked for properties, rents too high etc.”

“The Government needs to obtain data from providers working in the homelessness space. A lot of people now come in and do not even bother applying for emergency housing so the numbers are not a true reflection of what is happening on the street.”

“It would be great if the Government directed Kāinga Ora to work with Housing First providers and gave them options for one-bedroom properties. Government should back projects which are on hold to allow building and wraparound support for those most vulnerable.”