Emergency housing's supposed to be short term for those most in need - but some have now lived in motels for two years or longer - with no immediate end in sight.
While it puts a roof over the head of some of New Zealand's most vulnerable, not all are safe from violence, gang activity and intimidation.
Taxpayer dollars continue to pour into moteliers' pockets with the bill topping a billion dollars since Labour took office in 2017.
Here's political editor Jane Patterson.
Note: Audio has been updated to reflect more accurate figures
