HE KUPU MO MATOU
ABOUT US
OUR VISION
Ko te whakakitenga
Aotearoa New Zealand where every young person has a warm, safe, and secure place to call home.
Despite the New Zealand government’s Homelessness Action Plan, youth aged 16-25 continue to face homelessness in alarming numbers. The unique challenges faced by this demographic require tailored strategies and interventions.
OUR MISSION
Ko te koromakinga
To lead a collective, evidence-based response to prevent and eliminate youth homelessness across Aotearoa New Zealand.
To effectively address youth homelessness, we must understand its magnitude and unique aspects. This data will provide invaluable insights for evidence-based policies and targeted interventions.
The Manaaki Rangatahi Youth Homelessness Collective aims to end youth homelessness in Aotearoa
The Manaaki Rangatahi Youth Homelessness Collective aims to end youth homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand through a coordinated, evidence based, Kaupapa Māori approach. This strategic plan outlines our mission, vision, and strategic objectives, drawing on international best practices and local data. Our plan focuses on preventing youth homelessness, increasing housing supply, building strategic partnerships, and developing system-wide enablers.
Youth homelessness is a severe violation of basic human rights, manifesting as a failure to provide adequate support to vulnerable young people and their families, especially indigenous young people. This issue has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, cost of living, and failure of successive governments to prioritise the issue. The lack of action from policy makers has heightened housing instability and homelessness for young people across Aotearoa. Yet, international research shows that a dedicated youth response is essential, as youth homelessness differs significantly from adult homelessness in its causes and consequences.
OUR CALL TO ACTION
"A ROOF FOR EVERY YOUTH"
6 Calls to Action to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand
Manaaki Rangatahi is committed to addressing the growing challenge of youth homelessness in Aotearoa. Our collective believes that housing is a basic human right, and the elimination of youth homelessness is both achievable and necessary. To realise this vision, we propose six key calls to action, alongside practical
strategies to support them.
We are calling for every political party over the next term of Parliament to commit to advancing these six calls to action. In doing so, Aotearoa will take a significant step in responding to, addressing, and laying the groundwork to end youth homelessness.
Enshrine the Right to Housing
We call on the Government to enshrine the right to adequate housing in law, ensuring every young person has access to safe, stable, and affordable accommodation. This is a fundamental step towards preventing homelessness, as it establishes a legal framework that holds the government accountable for protecting youth from housing deprivation.Strategy: Collaborate with Hapū and Iwi leaders, youth advocates, and legal experts to draft and advocate for legislation that reflects the unique needs of rangatahi. Such legislation should prioritise culturally appropriate housing solutions and be informedby Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Commission Research into the Effects of Youth Homelessness on Adult Homelessness and Youth Wellbeing
To develop effective interventions, we need to understand the long-term impact of youth homelessness on individuals and communities. Research should explore how early experiences of homelessness influence adult homelessness rates, mental health outcomes, employment opportunities, and overall wellbeing.Strategy: Partner with universities, research institutions, and Indigenous scholars to commission studies that are youth-centered and inclusive of diverse perspectives. This research should inform future policy development and service delivery, ensuring that young people who experience homelessness are not left behind. By adopting these six calls to action, we believe that Aotearoa New Zealand can lead the world in preventing and ending youth homelessness. Manaaki Rangatahi remains committed to partnering with communities, government agencies, and service providers to make this vision a reality. Our rangatahi deserve a future where stable housing is a given, not a goal.
Invest in Upscaling and Upskilling Youth Housing/Homelessness Services
The demand for youth housing and homelessness services far exceeds current supply. Upscaling existing services and ensuring they are youth-friendly, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed is essential to meet this demand.Strategy: Increase funding for youth-specific services, and create pathways for service providers to access training and professional development. Manaaki Rangatahi supports the creation of a nationwide workforce development plan that builds capacity within the housing and social services sectors, with a focus onrecruiting and training staff with lived experience of homelessness.
Prohibit Government Agencies from Releasing Youth into Homelessness
Government agencies must be legally prohibited from discharging youth into homelessness, whether from foster care, correctional facilities, or hospitals. Too often, young people are left without a plan or support when exiting these systems, increasing their vulnerability to homelessness.Strategy: Establish a coordinated, cross-agency framework where each agency is held responsible for securing stable accommodation before youth exit their care. A transitional housing guarantee, backed by wraparound services, should be developed to ensure youth are supported until they are ready for independent living.
Collect Data on the Size and Scope of Youth Homelessness in Aotearoa
Accurate, timely, and comprehensive data is crucial for understanding the scope of youth homelessness in New Zealand. Without reliable data, it is difficult to assess the effectiveness of current interventions or to plan for future services.Strategy: The Government should mandate regular, detailed reporting on youth homelessness, disaggregated by age, gender, ethnicity, and region. A national youth homelessness database should be established, enabling better coordination between local and central government agencies, service providers, and community organisations.
Develop a Comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and End Youth Homelessness
A national youth homelessness strategy must be developed in consultation with young people, Māori, Pacific peoples, and other key stakeholders. This strategy should address the root causes of youth homelessness, including poverty, discrimination, family breakdown, and housing unaffordability.Strategy: The strategy must include short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals, with milestones for addressing homelessness among rangatahi. This could include expanding specialist youth accommodation, improving mental health services, and increasing access to other social housing provision for young people.
Now You Know Us
Come and join us on our Mission
Get Involved and Make a Difference
We're always eager to partner with passionate organisations and individuals who share our commitment to youth housing and services in Aotearoa. Whether you’re interested in volunteering your time, offering your expertise, providing services, or helping to spread the word, there are numerous ways you can make a difference:
Volunteer
Help us with various initiatives, from organising events to mentoring youth. Your skills and time are invaluable to us.
Support Youth Housing
Contribute to our efforts in improving housing solutions for young people. Your support helps us provide safe and stable living environments.
Assist Youth Services
Get involved in our programs designed to empower and support young people, including counselling, education, and development services.