11 July 2018

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Overnight drop-in centre

Inquiry

The reporter sought comment from Council following a meeting with Tiny Deane who operates the day time and night time drop-in centres for Rotorua's homeless.

Response

From Mayor Steve Chadwick:

We have met with Mr Deane and his administrator today and will continue to work with them on options and solutions, as well as with other stakeholders working on social housing and homelessness in our community.

This is complex and there are no quick or easy fixes, but we recognise the need for an emergency response alongside longer term options and will continue to work with others to find solutions.

We can't do it alone and the Government and its agencies have a key role to play. In May Minister Twyford announced Rotorua would receive Housing First funding due to our high need for emergency and social housing. We're waiting on the detail of that and look forward to knowing who the providers will be locally so we can work with them.

Rotorua's housing crisis is being felt across the housing spectrum - from emergency and social housing to a shortage of rentals and homes to buy - so we're working on multiple fronts and collaboration and partnerships will be key to finding solutions.