Rising homelessness in New Zealand

The story so far

A Ministry of Housing and Urban Development report found that homelessness has risen, with census data from 2018 to 2023 showing a 37 per cent increase in people living without shelter, though the exact extent is unclear.^{23 Jul 2025} An Auckland council committee described homelessness as being at crisis point and called for government action, citing a 90 percent increase in people sleeping rough since September.^{29 Jul 2025} Outreach teams are currently assisting more than 800 rough sleepers in Auckland.^{29 Jul 2025} Housing Minister Chris Bishop is seeking urgent advice on rising homelessness and rough sleeping, and said he is open to changing emergency housing eligibility rules if it would make a difference.^{3 Aug 2025} Service providers have reported a 90% increase in homelessness in Auckland.^{3 Aug 2025}

Latest

Housing Minister Chris Bishop has sought urgent advice on rising homelessness and rough sleeping, and said he is open to changing emergency housing eligibility rules.^{3 Aug 2025}

What's next

The government is seeking urgent advice on how to address rising homelessness and rough sleeping.^{3 Aug 2025}

Key moments

1. 23 Jul 2025Government report says homelessness has risen, with a 37 per cent increase in 2018–2023.
2. 29 Jul 2025Auckland council committee calls homelessness a crisis and urges government action.
3. 29 Jul 2025Outreach teams now assisting more than 800 rough sleepers in Auckland.
4. 3 Aug 2025Housing Minister seeks urgent advice and signals openness to changing emergency housing rules.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.