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Suffering on the streets is in plain sight in Aotearoa’s cities | The Hui 2025

The Hui

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Homelessness in Aotearoa is a national crisis, according to experts who see rough sleeping on the rise around the motu. While the Housing Minister Chris Bishop claims he’s proud of the Government’s record, slashing emergency housing numbers and shutting down motels once used as temporary accommodation, those working with the unhoused say our street whānau are suffering. Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell claims living on the streets is a choice. Jan Rutledge from De Paul House, and Haehaetu Barrett from charity Lifewise both say the Government doesn’t have the correct facts. The problem is complex, sometimes involving drug addiction with methamphetamine and synthetic cannabis easily obtainable. Some hope is provided by people like Māori Warden volunteer Mataroa Smith and her team, along with Auckland Council, helping the homeless at Manaakitangata.

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20 Comments

@exodusdiva2295 1 year ago

It is uplifting to see people out there trying to make a difference and giving a little dignity to those in need

@rangiorawellness987 1 year ago

The people who are meant to be supporting the community are so far removed from what is happening to our people. People are struggling. We aren't looking after the most vulnerable. How can anyone including the governing bodies be ok with that. Its a disgrace! Just as disgraceful as our so called clean green New Zealand. Thank you to all those out there that see and know the reality and whom are offering support to our extended family. ❤

@juliemcmurtrie2713 1 year ago

I'm paying 400 a week to live in a cold crappy caravan in one of Canterbury's worst kept camp. I've worked hard all my life..and now at 57 can't afford rent let alone a blinking power bill 😔

@mjmjmj50 1 year ago

Bless the Maori Wardens 🙏🩵

@victoriarihari4934 1 year ago

Beautiful how these ladies in Auckland postive feeders who offers there help.
Blessings to you all.

@georgemohetau6056 1 year ago

Unfortunately its only going to get worse for everyone around the world

@JohnJackson-yz8gj 1 year ago

I use to be one of those people sleeping on the streets in Rotorua, now I'm in Auckland with family. But I know how cruel life can be, and each second is not guaranteed 😢

@carolynfenton151 1 year ago

* 💚💛❤️ Massive as ups to you all at Manaki Tangata for all your mahi & tautoko to the homeless 🙏 💚💛❤️ *

@Mollie2034 1 year ago

How can a person in a wheelchair be living on the streets. That’s very sad

@LingiGenuine 8 months ago

To those volunteers how beautiful may you all be blessed .

@michaeldoran6742 1 year ago

Shame on the government of New Zealand Aaoteroa.

@mrg3743 1 year ago

The Rotorua Mayor needs a reality check, not all people are choosing the streets! They simply have no choice.

@bellasuperstar-hg1wx 1 year ago

Saying its a lifestyle choice is ridiculous. Many people lost jobs during the covid craziness, many buisnesses went under, inflation and housing and rent costs are out of control, food is crazy expensive - especially healthy food. Unemployment is at an all time high. Volunteers are the only reason the situation is not much worse. Virtually nothing is being done by the Government who continue to make decisions that are not in the best interest of the NZ people. When is enough enough?

@davidkennedy8871 1 year ago (edited)

It is not 20,000 people on the homelessness register it is 20,000 households. I would estimate it may be as many as 50,000 people, including children. We have a shortage of homes, but this is because houses are seen as investments to be used to make the most money. We now have homes converted to Airbnbs (around 60,000 Airbnbs). If half of those were made available to rent again, we wouldn't have a homeless problem.

@JosephineWalker-r2q 1 year ago

Nga mihi to all volunteers for your hearts and hard mahi.. God Bless you all

@peacefulsoul-x7p 1 year ago

Seriously open the bloody Maraes to our people!!! 773 empty Maraes in NZ!!!

@hemi_nathan 1 year ago

Thank you so much to the Māori wardens for doing an exceptional job at looking after our homeless people!
I hope that all homeless stay safe out there and eventually find some accomodation! Please be kind to our homeless people everyone no matter where they are in New Zealand ❤

@Nicole-v2e8w 1 year ago

Manaki Tangata ❤ Love to see help for The People ❤ God bless your hearts ❤

@PainEaterSean 1 year ago

Shame on the government, and shame on the criminals. How rare it is to see anyone willing to say such a thing.

@stayclassybeautiful4530 1 year ago (edited)

God bless all of the people out there making a difference in these peoples lives, sharing kai, aroha and friendship. National is so out pf touch with every social issue in New Zealand and the inequality I've witnessed since Labour was voted out is undeniably increasing. Everyone should have a home, but for many reasons, not everyone will and thats really sad.