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As the government puts tens of millions of dollars more into community housing, the sector says it is up against unfair headwinds.
Housing Minister Chris Bishop announced a broad review of Government run housing programmes following a highly critical report into Kāinga Ora, which has put the organisation's financial competency in the spotlight.
Mr Bishop has confirmed that this Thursday's budget will allocate 140 million dollars to fund 1500 new social housing places, provided by community Housing Providers (CHPs).
The social housing waitlist has more than 25,000 applicants, and many people are living in emergency housing motels or staying with relatives as they wait for suitable housing. The 1500 new homes would be allocated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development from July 2025 onwards.
So are social providers of community housing in a position to provide what is needed?
Kathryn speaks with Salvation Army Social Housing National Director Greg Foster, and Hope Simonsen, General Manager for Emerge Aotearoa Housing Trust.
