Media release: Public housing serves those with the greatest need contrary to Government’s review claims

A report that fed into the government review of Kainga Ora and subsequent public housing decisions was flawed according to new research.

In the latest Briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre, researchers outline their findings showing that people living in public housing in Aotearoa New Zealand experience significantly higher levels of need across multiple areas of wellbeing than those receiving the Accommodation Supplement. 

The study by researchers from the University of Otago’s He Kāinga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme directly challenges conclusions from the 2023 government-commissioned Taylor Fry report which stated Accommodation Supplement recipients had more complex needs than public housing tenants.

The Otago research found that people entering public housing were more likely to be Māori or Pacific Peoples, children, single parents, and to have lived in overcrowded, damp, or mouldy homes in highly deprived areas before receiving housing support. They also had higher rates of hospitalisation, mental health service use, and interactions with the courts.

“These findings show that public housing tenants represent some of the most vulnerable people in Aotearoa,” says Dr Fasoro. “Ensuring that sufficient public housing is available is essential to support their health and wellbeing.”

Dr Fasoro says the Taylor Fry report fed into the larger review of Kainga Ora that has resulted in the government cancelling several building projects that would have delivered over 3,500 public homes, planning to sell a fifth of vacant lands meant for public housing, and already selling existing homes. "This suggests that public housing in Aotearoa could become the last resort for only households on low income rather than being a housing option for a wider range of those in need."

The Briefing authors conclude that public housing must be expanded and adequately funded to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.