386% increase in EH declines on basis people ‘contributed to their homelessness’

Increase over 6 months following policy change that tightens access to housing support for emergency circumstances

Recent case studies from housing support providers highlight the struggles people and whānau are having to receive housing support in emergency circumstances. A whānau presented to their local housing provider seeking accommodation. Their previous housing, through the city council, had left one child with breathing difficulties. After a doctor’s evaluation, they were recommended to seek new housing. The whānau sought help from the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) but were turned away for ‘contributing to their own homelessness’. The whānau had to resort to sleeping on the floor of a friend’s house before the local provider stepped in to help.  In another case, an older woman with high medical needs who was living in a leaky van was placed by MSD on the maximum priority list (A20), where she remained for 6+ months with no follow-through. She had cancer, along with multiple other health issues, and had been evicted because she was unable to pay the rent. When an external provider stepped in to help, she was housed within two weeks.

Tragically, these appalling case studies are not unique. They represent a disturbing situation where government policy is being applied unfairly. Across the country, since August 2024 the number of declines based on the rejection reason “You have caused or contributed to your immediate need” has spiked.

How did we get here? This spike in EH declines represents a shift in decision-making and application of policies at the MSD level, where the tightening of criteria for those presenting in need is resulting in people failing to get access to the housing they need. In turn, this puts added pressure on local housing providers, social support and community agencies. 

When forced away from the system, we must do everything to understand “Where are these whānau and individuals living now and how can we support them”? 

Data source: OIA data from Ministry of Social Development, EHSNG decline reason August 2024 to January 2025