The rising cost of living and the flow-on effect

With a growing cost-of-living crisis looming over peoples’ heads in Aotearoa New Zealand, more barriers are being created for women who are already challenged to house and feed their families.

Wahine who rent homes are being particularly hit hard.

In April 2024, the NZ Herald reported Auckland rents had risen 5.6 percent annually to hit an average $671.35 a week, and nationally, rents were up 8.3 percent in the past year, with rising immigration and more students being cited as driving factors.

Data from Trade Me in August showed the national median weekly rent was $640 in July.

High rent, increasing food and cost of living costs and job losses are contributing to a grim economic and social outlook in Aotearoa New Zealand, and causing further stress in already high-tension households.

In a recent Coalition to End Women’s Homelessness (CEWH) webinar about local approaches to data and evidence, Principal Policy Advisor for Housing at Dunedin City Council Gill Brown spoke about the lack of suitable and affordable housing in the South Island’s second largest city. 

Rentals are in high demand, while stock is generally low, in South Dunedin. STOCK IMAGE. 

She says there is also a geographical limitation to affordable accommodation.  

“There are two main rental markets: North Dunedin, which is largely students, and South Dunedin…a large, flat area with its own vulnerabilities.

“I also volunteer on the Board of Refuge, and we have found for a number of women coming out of relationships, they are unable to find a rental in their area which allows them to keep their kids at the same school.

“Rentals are in one space which makes it difficult for people to transition out of a violent relationship.”

In South Dunedin, rental stock is poor generally, Gill adds.  

“For our Kainga Ora housing, the average age of stock is over 60 years old, 27 percent of our rest homes are competing for the same area, along with a lot of elderly as it is flat, and they don’t want to live among the students – there is a lot of pressure on the area.”  

With a background working for service providers, and Kainga Ora, Gill says Dunedin is a very different beast to Auckland when it comes to housing.

“We don’t have Housing First provider, we don’t have a data base or any information, but we do have one single night shelter offering a grand total of five beds.

“No funding for housing or urban development funding for homelessness has come this far south, so we are making a standing start.”

In the 2018 Census, 3207 people in Dunedin fell under being homeless, and this is the only statistic the city can go on, at this stage.  

Gill is doing much of the groundwork and bringing together stakeholders to increase the data and information being provided and address the homelessness situation.

At CEWH, we advocate for all people who call Aotearoa New Zealand home to have a warm, safe place to call home. 

The CEWH is calling for:

·        Better data and evidence on more “hidden” forms of women’s homelessness.

·        Policy makers to seek expertise in gender analysis.

·        Investment in affordable, accessible rentals that are designed to cater to the social, cultural, and health needs of older women.

·        Reporting and action on gender pay gaps.

·        Create need and desire for a national engagement to spark conversation and address the growing issues around women’s homelessness.   

How to get help if you are in danger now:

·        Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.

·        Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.

·        Take the children and pets with you. Don't stop to get anything else.

·        If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:

·        Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)

·        Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)

·        It's Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450
Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.
Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)

·        Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence

·        Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services

·        White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women.

·        Pet Refuge: Provides temporary shelter for pets affected by domestic violence, keeping them safe while their owners escape abuse - 0800 PET REFUGE / 0800 738 733 843.