Mike Bain/cvnznews.com
The Government has announced a major boost in support for people sleeping rough, committing an additional $14.5 million to expand homelessness services across the country. Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say the investment will strengthen frontline outreach, extend proven programmes, and bring support to six new regions.
The funding builds on a suite of short‑term actions announced late last year, including 300 new Housing First social homes, stronger local responses, improved use of transitional housing, clearer guidance for emergency housing grants, and redirected benefit funding to better support those in crisis. Ministers say these measures are already delivering results.
Since September 2025, 674 households previously sleeping rough have moved into stable accommodation through Housing First and existing social homes. Between November and January, 177 people entered a new transitional housing pilot in Auckland and Hamilton, run by specialist homelessness providers. Housing assistance centres have also delivered more than 1,500 support activities, ranging from mental health and addiction help to benefit registration and outreach.
The new $14.54 million package will continue funding for successful services in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch, while extending support to Tauranga, Whakatāne, New Plymouth, Napier, Whanganui and Waimakariri. Each community will receive tailored services reflecting local needs and pressures.
Minister Bishop says the investment is about meeting immediate need while longer‑term housing reforms continue. “Homelessness has been a problem in New Zealand for decades. These initiatives are already making a difference, and this additional funding will help more people get the support they need right now.”
Associate Minister Potaka says early results show the power of locally‑led approaches. “We’ve seen the difference when people are connected quickly with accommodation and wraparound support. Homelessness is rarely just about housing — it can involve health, employment, addiction, relationships, or access to services. These programmes help people stabilise their lives and improve outcomes for individuals and whānau.”
He says community organisations remain central to the response. “Frontline providers play a critical role. This investment strengthens their work and ensures more people can access the services available to them.”
The Government says the expanded support will help more New Zealanders move off the streets and into safer, more stable futures.
