PremiumJulia GabelPolitical Journalist·NZ Herald·15 Jun, 2026 05:00 PM7 mins to read‌Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka (inset) says people denied emergency housing may be offered other support, such as accommodation supplements or bond grants. Photos / Mark Mitchell, Ben Tomsett

The coalition Government is vocal in its ambition to move New Zealanders out of ‘cold, dank’ emergency housing motels and end the large-scale use of the urgent shelter option. The minister in charge of this cornerstone of the welfare system says the plan is working, but some advocacy groups remain