The first public hearing of the cross-party inquiry into homelessness began at Te Puea Marae today. The inquiry was launched by Labour, Green and Māori parties after National MPs turned down opposition requests for a parliamentary select committee inquiry into the issue.
MPs have heard the real impact of homelessness on families.
The chairman of Te Puea Marae, Huri Dennis, also presented a submission.
The marae has provided assistance to 174 families with around 45 families being placed in homes.
“We need to understand what the homeless problem is, how big it is, where it is and to relate it to causative issues,” says Dennis, “If we don’t know what the problem is we run the risk of throwing resources into the wrong place and into the wrong direction.”
Andrew Allan (Kuki Airangi) is quick to praise Te Puea, ‘Thanks to the marae. Man, if it wasn't for them we'd be still out there. Now they've given us a house and everything. Thanks to them.
This inquiry was launched by Labour, Green and Māori Parties after National MPs turned down Opposition requests for a Parliamentary Select Committee inquiry into the issue.
“We're here as parties who are committed to finding the ideas, the policies to fix this problem,” says Labour MP, Phil Twyford.
Four other hearings will be held in Christchurch, Kaitaia, Tauranga and Wellington.
A report will be published by mid-October, which is expected to set the foundation for a cross-party agreement on how to fix homelessness.