Social Housing Reforms in Aotearoa: An Evidence-Based Analysis and Implications for Māori Housing

Te Matapihi He Tirohanga mō te Iwi Trust, the National Māori Housing Peak Body is calling on the Government to pause implementation of its social housing reforms until their cumulative impact on housing affordability, housing security and the cost of living has been properly assessed.

An independent review commissioned by Te Matapihi and undertaken by Dr Jack Barrett, Social Housing Reforms in Aotearoa: An Evidence-Based Analysis and Implications for Māori Housing, examines the Government's social housing reform programme announced on 21 May 2026.

The review raises concerns that the combined reforms are likely to increase financial pressure on households already struggling with housing and essential living costs, with Māori disproportionately affected.

Te Matapihi is asking the Government to:

1. Pause implementation while the cumulative impacts on affordability, cost of living and housing security are assessed.

2.Undertake a Māori-specific impact assessment reflecting the disproportionate housing pressures experienced by Māori.

3. Engage directly with Māori and community housing providers before final policy settings are implemented.

4.Measure affordability based on what households have left after housing costs, not housing costs alone.

5. Strengthen investment in housing supply and proven Māori-led solutions, including affordable rental, papakāinga and progressive homeownership.

Read the report here