March 26, 2026

#election2026: Greens unveil plan to end homelessness and overhaul housing system

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 26, 2026

The Green Party has launched a new plan aimed at ending homelessness in Aotearoa and addressing what it describes as a deepening housing crisis impacting thousands of whānau.

The policy platform, titled A Home for Everybody, focuses on expanding public housing, strengthening renters’ rights and reshaping how housing support is delivered across the country.

At the centre of the plan is a commitment to significantly increase the supply of state and community housing, alongside investment in wraparound services designed to support people into stable, long-term homes. The Greens argue that homelessness cannot be solved through short-term or punitive measures, and instead requires coordinated, structural change.

The announcement comes as homelessness continues to rise across Aotearoa, with growing visibility in urban centres and increasing pressure on emergency housing and support services. Recent data and reporting have highlighted how housing insecurity is spreading beyond city centres into suburbs, affecting a wide range of whānau and communities.

Key elements of the Greens’ proposal include scaling up public housing builds, improving access to emergency housing, and placing stronger protections around renters. The plan also emphasises the need for sustained government investment and long-term planning rather than reactive or short-term fixes.

The party maintains that housing is a fundamental human right and that current settings are failing to meet the needs of many New Zealanders, particularly low-income households and Māori communities who are disproportionately affected by housing instability.

The proposal positions housing as a core issue heading into the next election cycle, with the Greens seeking to shift the national conversation toward prevention, affordability and long-term security.

As pressure continues to build across the housing system, the debate over how best to respond to homelessness and affordability challenges is expected to remain a central political issue in the months ahead.