Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

department visits alone. 40 Therefore there is an economic imperative, as well as a moral
imperative, to address homelessness.
Homelessness remains largely misunderstood. The stereotype is that it is a choice, and that
mental illness and drug or alcohol addiction are the main causes. Yet international evidence
shows that one of the most common pathways into homelessness is as a young person, and
that unless early intervention is provided, they risk remaining homeless their entire lives.
Homelessness is traditionally seen as being a problem for single men. However
homelessness affects women, young people, victims of domestic violence, mental health
consumers, people released from prison and families experiencing financial crisis. Māori are
over-represented among the homeless.
Despite this growing problem the Government has largely ignored the issue. There is no
single agency responsible for dealing with homelessness policy and this shows in the
disjointed and inadequate response so far.
The current restructuring at Housing New Zealand which has seen the corporation withdraw
from supporting a tenant‟s wider social needs is only exacerbating the problem and resulting
in more evictions and more homelessness.
Labour will initiate a Ministerial inquiry to ascertain the extent and nature of
homelessness in New Zealand. Terms of reference for the inquiry will be developed
in consultation with key stakeholders including iwi, local government and NGOs
working to prevent and eradicate homelessness. The outcome of this inquiry will form
the basis of an inter-departmental New Zealand Homelessness Strategy with a focus
on prevention and early intervention.
Labour will reaffirm Housing New Zealand's role as a social housing provider.
Tenancy managers will once again be empowered to assist with their tenant's
broader social needs and connect them with the appropriate assistance from
government or community organisations which support tenants with high and
complex needs to sustain tenancies.
Labour will ensure that one single agency has responsibility for leading policy to deal
with homelessness and emergency and transitional accommodation.
Labour will review the provision of emergency and transitional accommodation
around New Zealand and identify gaps and areas of need.
Labour will investigate what legislative or regulatory measures can be implemented
to ensure minimum standards are enforced for boarding houses and hostels,
including a mandatory register for boarding houses in New Zealand.
40 http://www.stuff.co.nz/dominion-post/news/local-papers/the-wellingtonian/3528960/One-man-state-ofemergency.
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