Pretty sad indictment. Maybe time for a new government. If only we had one in the wings.

This Govt has done a lot of good things over the years, but the social cost has been way too high. Housing and Health are huge issues.

A truly sad indictment. What goes hand in hand with the chart is poverty and crime. Its time for a change

MikeB4:

 

A truly sad indictment. What goes hand in hand with the chart is poverty and crime. Its time for a change

 

To whom? Labour? Surely you'd be kidding? They can't organize policy to save their lives. Do they have a specific social policy to address the homeless population in NZ? 

For what it's worth, I was recently in Paris and London, I saw many more homeless and begging than I've seen in 15 years of being in Auckland. 

Sure how about the Green party they seem to think $$$ grows on trees and it's OK to steal off the tax payer

Linux

To my mind a better solution is for people to make their voices heard with National, to get them to start a process of addressing this important issue.

I love how the right wing people jump onboard right away with criticizing the opposition, who are currently campaigning based on some pretty strong social policies. I'm hopeful that we will have change this year, but based on the population of financially successful voting people I doubt it will. 

MikeB4: Time for a change does not necessarily mean change of Government. I mean a change in approach. Maybe after the election a multi party working group also bring in social agencies, business groups etc to formulate a regime to address this issue.

Yes, upon considering your initial reply, I did wonder if that's what you mean. I agree more pressure needs to be applied to decision makers around having a plan created. The problem is, you can't solve these situations overnight. 

MikeB4: Homelessness and poverty is not going to be fixed by stupid party politics.

Not by party politics, but can certainly be addressed by policy

networkn:

 

MikeB4: Time for a change does not necessarily mean change of Government. I mean a change in approach. Maybe after the election a multi party working group also bring in social agencies, business groups etc to formulate a regime to address this issue.

 

Yes, upon considering your initial reply, I did wonder if that's what you mean. I agree more pressure needs to be applied to decision makers around having a plan created. The problem is, you can't solve these situations overnight. 

 

The current government doesn't even admit that there is a housing crisis, I hardly think they will admit there is a homelessness problem - let alone come up with a strategy to address it 

Its a hard one and nothing is going to change overnight. Its a case of closing the door after the horse is bolted. Building a load of houses is not going resolve the homeless problem but will help people and family's in need in the years to come hence the horse has already bolted so no immediate fix.

The plight of homeless is not just sticking them in a house and saying yay look at us you need to wrap social and mental health service's around these people as well and that is something else we are so lacking in this country. The mental health service is in dire need of not only funding but more professionals to help people.