Advocates Urge Action Against Rising Māori Youth Homelessness

Youth homelessness in New Zealand has reached alarming levels, with advocates emphasizing the urgent need for targeted assistance for vulnerable young individuals. In Auckland, the local council reports a staggering 90 percent increase in homelessness since September 2022. Alarmingly, statistics indicate that nearly half of all homeless individuals are under the age of 25.

The issue is multifaceted, with advocates like Māhera Maihi, CEO of the Mā te Huruhuru Charitable Trust, highlighting that recent changes to emergency housing criteria have exacerbated the situation. Maihi operates two youth housing facilities that adopt a kaupapa Māori approach, prioritizing culturally appropriate support for young Māori.

“The young people we serve are expressing a desire for more kaupapa Māori-supported accommodation. Many homes are unsafe and unstable due to issues such as family violence and overcrowding,” Maihi explained during an interview with RNZ’s Saturday Morning. She noted that queer and gender diverse youth face additional challenges, often compounded by systemic barriers.

Navigating the housing system proves difficult for many young people, with issues ranging from the lack of bank accounts and identification to the inability to afford rental bonds and upfront costs. Moreover, Maihi pointed out a troubling trend of a “care-to-homelessness pipeline,” where young individuals transition from care into homelessness due to financial pressures.

In response to these challenges, Maihi’s organization provides 12-month placements in a supportive environment. “We understand as Māori people that it takes a community, involving all generations, to support our youth,” she stated. At He Pā Piringa, the trust offers 18 beds for young people aged 17 to 21 experiencing homelessness, as well as additional facilities for young women facing housing insecurity.

The trust’s approach incorporates cultural practices, creating an environment that fosters a sense of belonging. “We utilize concepts like wananga, where we take young people to the marae to learn about their heritage and community roles,” Maihi noted. This focus on cultural identity has led to impressive outcomes, including zero instances of property damage or police involvement for violence at their housing facilities.

Despite these successes, the full scope of Māori youth homelessness remains largely undocumented. Maihi emphasizes the absence of official data and a comprehensive youth homelessness strategy. Many young individuals do not qualify for social housing due to criteria that fail to account for their complex vulnerabilities.

“So far, we have successfully placed 19 young people into permanent homes, which is a significant achievement given the restrictive social housing rating system,” she added. Young people often struggle to achieve the required ratings needed for access to housing, underscoring the need for a system that accommodates their unique circumstances.

Maihi advocates for the implementation of a “vulnerability multiplier” in housing assessments, which would recognize the complexities and high needs of youth. “If we are to utilize a system like this, we must adjust it to reflect the realities that young people face,” she concluded.

As the crisis continues to unfold, the call for action from advocates like Maihi underscores the pressing need for comprehensive solutions to address the rising levels of Māori youth homelessness in New Zealand.