Housing affordability has plummeted since 2018

Public housing waitlists grew 90%, people receiving housing supplements grew 28%

These graphs tell a story of struggle! It is important to remember that behind these figures are people, whānau, and their local communities who are all affected by housing affordability issues. Combined, the data indicates a direct link to rising requests for housing support and related supplements. 

This is evidenced by an overall 28% increase in payments since 2018 for the Weekly Accommodation Supplement (Figure 1), a non-taxed payment from WINZ that helps with accommodation costs. This demonstrates that more New Zealanders are relying on housing assistance to live.  

Figure 2 shows since 2023, Non-SNG (Special Needs Grants) support for moving costs has jumped 131% and rent/board in advance is up 34%. These increases demonstrate deepening housing instability – a huge concern to those experiencing it, and to society due to the wider cost impacts of housing stability. Although support for bonds and rent in arrears has remained fairly constant, the data suggests ongoing, steady demand for help with overdue housing costs. 

The demand for public housing has grown by 90% since 2018 (Figure 3), another sign that housing has become increasingly unaffordable. 

So, how can we turn the dial on housing affordability so everyone has a stable place to call home and can live well? We need to start by talking more about it … find opportunities to have conversations with your family, friends and work colleagues about this important issue. Afterall, we all know someone who is or has been affected by housing affordability. It’s time to kōrero!