Aotearoa Homelessness Action Plan 2020-2023
The Aotearoa Homelessness Action Plan was published in February 2020 to deliver on the Government’s vision that homelessness is prevented where possible, or is rare, brief and non-recurring.
The action plan sets out a balanced and comprehensive package of actions to address homelessness with an increased focus on prevention, alongside supply, support and system enablers. Actions will build on and support work already underway around New Zealand and put in place essential changes to address gaps in responses to homelessness.
Key focus areas
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Prevention
Prevention actions work to ensure individuals and whānau receive the support they need so that homelessness stops happening in the first place.
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Supply
Immediate and longer-term supply actions will focus on increasing our supply of different types of housing, with a focus on working with Māori Community Housing providers and other Māori and Iwi providers.
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Support
Through the action plan, more support will be provided for individuals, families and whānau experiencing homelessness to move as quickly as possible into stable accommodation and access wider social agencies.
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System Enablers
Preventing and reducing homelessness, requires everyone to work together to respond to the different challenges faced in communities around New Zealand.
The guiding principles for addressing homelessness
Te Tiriti o Waitangi
The government’s role, as Treaty partner, is to partner with and support Māori to deliver solutions for Māori, and to empower local communities to achieve Māori housing and wellbeing outcomes.
Whānau-centred and strengths-based
Within the context of homelessness, a whānau-centred approach means addressing individual needs within the context of that individual’s whānau, relationships, support networks, community and connection to place.
Focus on stable homes and wellbeing
Preventing and reducing homelessness involves looking past the short-term approach of providing an immediate crisis response, to providing long-term sustainable housing solutions.
Kaupapa Māori approaches
Kaupapa Māori approaches are embedded within this plan and throughout the delivery of actions. This means delivering actions in ways that demonstrate kaupapa Māori principles.
Find out more about the Māori and Iwi Housing Innovation Framework for Action (MAIHI)
Supporting and enabling local approaches
The action plan will support local communities to address the homelessness issues they face, in ways that respond to their different needs and build on responses already in place.
A joined-up approach across agencies and communities
Addressing homelessness requires true partnerships and systems of support and housing to be functioning well in inclusive and equitable ways.
Published: February 25, 2021