1 in every 1000 people are living without shelter

Living on the streets or in cars, with many more beyond statistical reach

Housing is a human right – all people living in our country should have a roof over their heads. Without decent stable housing, we are exposed to grave health, safety, and wellbeing risks and impacts. Housing is fundamental to living well. When individuals, whānau and children have stable housing they establish the essential foundation to flourish in health, education, employment, and vital social connections within their community. 

The total proportion of New Zealanders living without shelter increased by a shocking 29.5%, up from 7.8 per 10,000 people in 2018 to 10.1 per 10,000 people in 2023. These statistics evidence that homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand is on the rise, meaning more people and whānau are denied the essential foundation to live well and flourish. It is important to note that the number of people recorded as experiencing homelessness on Census night under-represents the true scale of the issue and the real number of those living without shelter. With Census data providing a snapshot recorded on a single night, it fails to capture those who cycle in and out of living without shelter.   

So, is the true nature of Kiwis living without shelter much more dire? Check out the other tiles to learn more… 

Data source: 2023 Census severe housing deprivation (homelessness) estimates | Stats NZ