Housing New Zealand's biggest loserNew Zealand has lost more than 4000 state houses in the past five years. The Ministry of Social Development funds other providers to deliver social housing, and sold state houses to these providers. Deputy chief executive Carl Crafar said 6000 applicants were placed in social housing each year since it took over assessment. "The eligibility criteria for accessing social housing has not changed since [MSD] took responsibility for the assessment function in April 2014. "What has changed is that we are making sure social housing is available for those in the greatest need, for the duration of that need."

Source: Stuff July 14, 2016 06:00 UTC