Meet the researchers behind CEWH’s report Ngā Ara ki te Kāinga
We’re delighted to introduce Tanita Bidois and Callum Sleigh, the researchers behind Ngā Ara ki te Kāinga – Understanding Barriers and Solutions to Women’s Homelessness in Aotearoa. Their work will feature in our upcoming Lunchtime Learning webinar.
In 2024, CEWH partnered with kaupapa Māori research agency Ihi Research and analytics firm Taylor Fry to shine a light on women’s experiences of homelessness. The report brings together the voices of women and kaimahi captured by Ihi Research with Taylor Fry’s analysis of Census 2018 and 2023 data.
Launched in December 2024, this landmark report revealed that 50% of people experiencing homelessness in Aotearoa are women — more than double the OECD average of 22%. It also highlights the disproportionate impact on wāhine Māori, who consistently represent over one third of women experiencing homelessness, as well as single mothers, older women, and young women facing complex challenges.
Tanita Bidois (Waikato, Ngāti Ranginui) is a Māori & Indigenous Studies lecturer at the University of Canterbury and a Māori evaluator. She was the lead qualitative researcher and author of Ngā Ara ki te Kāinga.
“This research acknowledges the shared responsibility of government agencies and community providers in ensuring all wāhine and whānau have access to healthy, safe housing,” she says.
Callum Sleigh is a quantitative researcher specialising in the social sector. He has worked on modelling and analysis projects for a range of agencies across justice, education, health, welfare, child protection, income, and housing.
Callum explains that the CEWH research showed that the experience of homelessness in Aotearoa is clearly different for women.
“By looking at some of the government services homeless women access, we see that they face unique challenges, and this requires tailored policy,” he says.
Callum says that an important strength of the CEWH research was the incorporation of qualitative lived experience.
“Quantitative insights can be incredibly powerful tools to inform policy – especially when combined with qualitative, real-world experience. Harnessing this combination is key to making a positive difference to people’s lives,” he explains.
In this webinar Tanita and Callum will explore women’s interactions with government agencies, mental health services, and the justice system, highlighting why women’s homelessness often remains hidden in plain sight. Tanita and Callum will also discuss the urgent need for gender-responsive housing and homelessness policies.
With sincere thanks to Tanita Bidois and Callum Sleigh for sharing their time and valuable insights.
Webinar Details
Date: Monday 3 November
Time: 12–1pm
Location: Online | Free
Register here: https://www.coalitiontoendwomenshomelessness.org/events/
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