Youth homelessness in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand: A scoping report prepared for Manaaki Rangatahi ki Tāmaki Makaurau Youth Homelessness Collective

Abstract

This scoping report draws attention to youth homelessness in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa New Zealand, and has been prepared for Manaaki Rangatahi ki Tāmaki Makaurau Youth Homelessness Collective. The report adopts a kaupapa Māori approach that has been undertaken ‘by rangatahi, for rangatahi’ and is offered as a means to contribute to and support the advocacy work of Manaaki Rangatahi to end youth homelessness.

This scoping report is also part of a broader research programme, ‘Urban Intergenerational Kāinga Innovations,’ funded by the National Science Challenge: Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities. The research programme is based in the Tāmaki Makaurau region. It recognises the dire need for innovative solutions to deliver safe, secure and affordable housing through socially cohesive processes that support the development of more robust and resilient Māori communities. This scope of work aligns explicitly with the description ‘He tātaiwhetu ki te rangi, he rangatahi ki te kāinga: Rangathi pathways to safe, secure and affordable homes, a rangatahi Māori-led research project.’

Homelessness is on the rise in Aotearoa New Zealand, with half of those experiencing homelessness under the age of 25. Internationally, youth homelessness is well documented, but the local context lacks data and literature. In order to contribute to the growing body of knowledge about youth housing and youth homelessness in Aotearoa, this report analyses relevant academic and policy literature. The report examines key definitions of homelessness and raises some concerns about the current measures and definitions related to youth. It is also important to note the particular intersectional complexities of youth homelessness for Māori and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) communities.

Homelessness for Māori is attributed to colonisation and historical events that have destabilised Māori systems and kinship structures. The research finds that Māori young people and children are experiencing some of the worst housing deprivation in Aotearoa and there is no doubt that homelessness is a result of structural issues. Many factors influence why young people are experiencing homelessness, therefore we need to become more aware of these factors in order to understand the problem better. Such factors may include housing stress, insufficient government support, lack of public understanding and awareness, and discrimination and racism. Young people also find the social-support systems that are available quite challenging to navigate.

This scoping report gives a brief insight into the realities and needs of young people living in homelessness. The report also highlights three innovative housing initiatives from community-based programmes, followed by six key recommendations to respond to varying issues at the systems level.