Our recommendations

Using information to improve social housing services.
  1. We recommend that Housing New Zealand Corporation give its staff clearer guidance and better processes to support getting the information they need to effectively place people in social housing and for ongoing tenancy management.
  2. We recommend that Housing New Zealand Corporation and the Ministry of Social Development:
    • improve the way information about people applying for social housing and who subsequently move into a Housing New Zealand house is shared; and
    • strengthen the relationships between their staff, particularly frontline staff, ensuring that they have a clear understanding of each organisation's role and functions.
  3. We recommend that Housing New Zealand Corporation continue to improve communication with its tenants so they can easily contact someone to deal with any issues.
  4. We recommend that Housing New Zealand Corporation better inform its tenants about the likely timing and progress of maintenance work and what they can expect in terms of housing quality.
  5. We recommend that Housing New Zealand Corporation expand on the extent of its information on the condition of its houses, further analyse the maintenance information, and better co-ordinate planned and as-required maintenance work.
  6. We recommend that:
    • Housing New Zealand Corporation develop a longer-term asset investment plan;
    • government organisations involved in the housing sector (Housing New Zealand Corporation, the Ministry of Social Development, the Treasury, Te Puni Kōkiri, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment) prepare a long-term strategy for social housing, including how demand will be met; and
    • the Ministry of Social Development set longer-term purchasing intentions and clearer expectations of quality, quantity, and availability of social housing.