Chang YuA lack of accessible and affordable rental properties is leaving many disabled people stuck in emergency accommodation that is unsuited to their needs. He said they were being forced into emergency housing more often because they were unable to find, or afford, private rentals suited to their needs. ‘‘Their average income was $22,519 a year, including social benefits — significantly lower than the overall emergency housing population’s average income of $28,193. Emergency housing special needs grants were introduced by the Ministry of Social Development in 2016 to fund emergency accommodation, typically in motels, for no more than seven days, he said. ‘‘But setting an example through state housing will not address the lack of appropriate housing for people with disabilities, given public housing makes up only 4% of the overall housing stock in New Zealand.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 12, 2026 16:34 UTC