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What are the current criteria a prospective supplier must meet to be contracted by the Ministry of Social Development as an emergency housing supplier; when were those criteria last changed, and on whose advice? and 3 other questions

Answered 19836, 19837, 19840, 19841 (2026)
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Asked by

Kieran McAnulty

List MP · Labour Party

Questions

  • 19836

    What are the current criteria a prospective supplier must meet to be contracted by the Ministry of Social Development as an emergency housing supplier; when were those criteria last changed, and on whose advice?

  • 19837

    How many, if any emergency housing suppliers are currently contracted in the Canterbury region, and how does that compare to the number of people in Canterbury whose applications for emergency housing have been granted, declined, or remain unassessed in the most recent month for which data is available?

  • 19840

    Is there a cap on the number of emergency housing suppliers the Ministry of Social Development will contract with, either nationally or by region; if so, what is that cap, when was it set, and by whom?

  • 19841

    How many emergency housing suppliers were contracted by the Ministry of Social Development as at 1 May 2026, and how does this compare to the same date in each of 2023, 2024 and 2025; if there has been a decrease, what is the reason?

Answered by

Hon Tama Potaka

Member for Hamilton West · National Party · Associate Minister of Housing

Answer

I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development (the Ministry) does not contract motels to provide emergency housing. Businesses register with the Ministry to receive payments from the Ministry and to opt in to the Emergency Housing supplier standards. A contractual relationship between the supplier and the Ministry is not created when accommodation providers register as a supplier to receive payments from the Ministry or opt-in to the Standards. The relationship is between the client and the supplier, the Ministry assists the client with the cost of Emergency Housing. I am further advised that Emergency Housing supplier standards ensure Emergency Housing suppliers get the basics right, so that all individuals and whānau have access to safe and suitable accommodation. The Ministry’s supplier standards set out their expectations that people staying in Emergency Housing get the same level of service and are treated with the same care and respect as any other paying guest. This is also my response to WPQ’s 19837, 19841 & 19840