The Government has welcomed the Stage One Waitangi Tribunal Wai 2750 – Housing and Housing Services Kaupapa Inquiry report into homelessness, which was released today.
Minister of Housing, Megan Woods and Associate Minister of Housing (Māori), Willie Jackson as Co-Leads for the government, with Associate Minister of Housing (homelessness), Marama Davidson, have acknowledged and accepted the historical injustices and grievances that have been raised by claimants in the Waitangi Tribunal.
“Over the coming weeks, the Government will take the time to carefully consider the finding and recommendations in the Tribunal’s report and provide a response,” Minister Jackson said.
“The issues raised in the report are historical in nature and span many decades. This Government recognises the extreme housing deficit and the disproportionate impact on Māori,” he said.
Minister Woods said that since coming to office in 2017, the Government had increased public housing supply by more than 10,000 new houses and existing homes for community housing providers.
“There has been a recent acceleration in Māori housing with MAIHI Ka Ora the National Māori Housing Strategy, launched in September 2021 so far, we have approved/contracted, 1018 homes, 1615 infrastructure sites, and 415 repairs to homes,” she said.
Minister Davidson said Māori face historical barriers and successive Governments had not helped Māori in the way that has been needed.
“We know Māori have been disproportionately impacted for years, this report confirms this,” she said.
“Everyone should have a safe, secure, and stable home to call their own – but right now thousands of whānau do not have a permanent place to live, this report reaffirms my commitment to that.”
Minister Woods said the Government would continue its commitment to ensuring Aotearoa/New Zealand’s housing crisis is addressed through community led solutions that lift the housing supply, move whānau and individuals into safe, dry homes.
“This includes people in emergency, transitional and public housing across Aotearoa.”
“We are confident that we have in place the foundation for building a more secure and stable housing system with Māori that will ensure housing supply is increased to address the issues raised in the report and provide longer term security for New Zealanders, however, we know there is much more to enable by Māori, for Māōri solutions.”
