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Almost two percent of Maori could be considered homeless, five times the rate for Pakeha.
That’s one of the findings from an analysis of census data by the Health Research Council-funded He Kainga housing and health research programme.
Researcher Dr Kate Amore from the University of Otago in Wellington homelessness is not just those sleeping rough.
It also includes many people in work or study who are sleeping in garages, cars, or in overcrowded houses through the good will of friends or family.
"Everyone is put at risk by living in these crowded situations in terms of infectious diseases makes life more difficult for everyone. Even though it's very positive that we look after each other in that way so that not any people have to sleep on the street, I just hope it's not hiding the issue from the government," she says.
Dr Amore says the government needs to look at affordable housing solutions that address the wide range of homeless situations.
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