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Homelessness

Find what’s happening across the district to address the causes of homelessness and some of the work we are doing to support organisations working with or supporting this vulnerable community.

Why are people homeless? 

 

Homelessness is a significant challenge throughout Aotearoa New Zealand and Ngāmotu/New Plymouth district is no different. People sleeping rough are often the most visible, but the definition of homelessness also includes those sleeping in vehicles, sheds, or other unsuitable temporary accommodation.

There are a range of factors that can contribute towards a person being homeless, including:

 

  • the cost and availability of housing
  • discrimination
  • unemployment
  • debt
  • poor mental or physical health
  • drug or alcohol addiction
  • traumatic life events

Homelessness is a complex issue requiring a multi-agency approach focused on addressing the reasons why people have found themselves sleeping rough in the first place.

 

What are we doing?

People sleeping rough are drawn to public spaces for their own safety and wellbeing. They experience a wide range of barriers to accessing support and housing.

We hear and share community concern about the impact of rough sleeping in our community and have been working with community organisations to provide support where we can and continue to advocate to central Government agencies.

But with ongoing issues of access to emergency accommodation, affordable housing and mental health services across the country, the challenges that result in homelessness are unlikely to be resolved soon.

 

What we have done so far

  • 1 April 2025:  Mayor and Councillors approve $350,000 from our Housing Reserve to the YMCA to set up a shelter in New Plymouth and operating costs over three years ($200,000 in year one; $150,000 in year two and $100,000 in year three) on the proviso the YMCA finds the extra money needed each year.  Read agenda report.
  • March 2025: Stepped-up enforcement of Public Places Bylaw rule to remove belongings cluttering up and obstructing movement. 
  • December 2024: We launched a pilot City Safe Warden programme in New Plymouth’s city centre in response to requests for support from businesses and the public. The wardens provide a friendly face while identifying safety and wellbeing issues and alerting us and police if further assistance is required. Initially due to finish in mid-February, it has now been extended until mid-May.
  • Early 2024: Supported the Ngāmotu Street Initiative to work with our rough sleeping whānau to provide customised support services, advocacy, and help them into housing where possible.

We are partnering with or supporting others on the following medium to long-term actions:

  • Supporting the development of a Taranaki Homelessness Action Plan. This is a community-led initiative involving a range of services and agencies.

What can you do?

If you are concerned about a person's wellbeing or they are exhibiting distressing behaviour, or you feel unsafe, phone police on 105, or for emergencies, dial 111.

If someone is sleeping rough on council property, please contact us.

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Page last updated: 12:04pm Thu 03 April 2025

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06 759 6060 enquiries@npdc.govt.nz
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New Plymouth

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