Youth homelessness advocates are calling for urgent action to address the growing number of rangatahi without a safe and stable place to live, warning that too many young people continue to fall through the cracks of Aotearoa’s housing and social support systems.
Bianca Johanson, a leading voice in the fight against youth homelessness, says the issue extends far beyond rough sleeping and is often hidden from public view. Many young people experiencing homelessness are couch surfing, living in overcrowded housing, staying in emergency accommodation, or moving between temporary living arrangements without any long-term security.
Advocates say one of the biggest misconceptions is that homelessness only affects a small group of people living on the streets. In reality, many rangatahi experiencing homelessness remain largely invisible, making the problem more difficult to identify and address.
Māori continue to be disproportionately affected by homelessness, reflecting broader challenges including housing affordability, poverty, long-standing inequities, whānau instability, and barriers to accessing support services. The overrepresentation of Māori in homelessness statistics has prompted renewed calls for kaupapa Māori solutions that place whānau, culture, identity and community at the centre of support.
Youth homelessness organisations say effective responses must include earlier intervention, stronger support for at-risk young people, more affordable housing options, expanded mental health services, and increased investment in Māori-led programmes designed specifically for rangatahi.
The issue has gained political attention following commitments from four political parties that have signed a pledge to tackle youth homelessness if elected. Advocates have welcomed the commitment but say the real test will be whether those promises translate into meaningful action after the election.
They are seeking clear commitments from the next government, including increased funding for youth housing services, the development of long-term housing pathways, and stronger coordination between education, health, housing and social service providers.
Those working on the frontline say preventing homelessness before it begins is critical. Early intervention for young people facing family breakdown, financial hardship, mental health challenges or housing insecurity is widely regarded as one of the most effective ways to stop homelessness becoming entrenched.
As political parties set out their priorities for the future, youth advocates say ensuring every rangatahi has a safe place to call home must be at the heart of any plan to improve wellbeing outcomes for future generations.
For many working in the sector, the goal is simple: no young person in Aotearoa should be left without the stability, security and support needed to thrive.
