Understanding Homelessness: Wāhine Māori lived experiences of rough sleeping in Wellington City and their safety needs

He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.
What is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people

Kaupapa Māori researchers led a qualitative project to explore the lived experiences of wāhine Māori who have experienced rough sleeping in Wellington City. The research sheds light on pathways to homelessness, as well as how wāhine Māori experience and navigate safety – physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural – while living without a home.

Key safety and wellbeing needs identified by the research include:

• access to clean hygiene facilities

• safe spaces to rest

• secure storage for belongings

• lighting, time of day and movement for protection

• street whānau and mutual care

• informal relationships and connection

• better feedback mechanisms to hear from people with lived experience

• strengthen post-housing navigation and aftercare support.

Read the report here