Community Housing AotearoaCHA logo together with Auckland Council have appointed a new Emergency Housing Coordinator, David Zussman, to work with emergency housing providers in Auckland to increase supply and capacity in the sector. In announcing this new role, Auckland Mayor Len Brown said: the Coordinator is working with “providers in the sector and central government to identify policy and operational issues to help free up more emergency housing places, increase efficiency, and ensure the sustainability of the sector.” as well as finding additional innovative responses and quick wins that could potentially be funded or supported by Auckland Council.

The Government has announced an additional $2 million of funding going to Emerge Aotearoa, whose kaupapa is support for people across a range of health and social needs, including providing housing and housing support.

The funding is for 30 additional emergency housing places in Auckland, with families staying for a maximum for 12 weeks to help them find other long-term accommodation. All 30 places will be  available by mid-May, before winter sets in.

The Minister has also advised that further announcements about a more long-term funding model for the emergency housing sector nationwide will made in the “next few months”.