Otago University Study: Women and Children Bearing the Brunt of Homelessness Disparities in New Zealand

New Zealand's homelessness crisis has a stark gender dimension, with recent analysis from the University of Otago revealing that women and children are disproportionately affected. Led by Dr. Brodie Fraser from the Department of Public Health at Otago's Wellington campus, the study draws on 2023 Census data to highlight hidden forms of severe housing deprivation (SHD)—a term used by Stats NZ to encompass not just rough sleeping but also living in uninhabitable dwellings or overcrowded shared accommodation.8179

The research underscores that 51% of the 102,123 people identified as experiencing SHD during the Census were women, a figure notably higher than international averages of 30-40%.60 This parity with women's share of the general population (just over 50%) belies deeper vulnerabilities, particularly for single mothers. Dr. Fraser notes, "New Zealand is unique in measuring homelessness comprehensively, including those in uninhabitable housing with no alternatives."81

Among the women studied in a related Housing First evaluation, 84% had children, 76% were Māori, and 57% were aged 25-44—prime child-rearing years. These demographics paint a picture of family units trapped in instability, often fleeing domestic violence or economic hardship.Explore opportunities in New Zealand's higher education sector to contribute to social research initiatives.

Decoding the 2023 Census: Scale of the Crisis

The 2023 Census marked an increase in SHD, with 102,123 affected—up from 99,462 in 2018. Women numbered 57,576 (232 per 10,000 females), while Pacific children alone totaled over 11,000 in SHD.6063 Notably, 61% resided in uninhabitable housing, a category women and families gravitate toward due to safety concerns around rough sleeping.

Otago's He Kāinga Oranga Housing and Health Research Programme, co-directed by Professor Nevil Pierse, pioneered SHD metrics, enabling this granular breakdown. Their work validates service usage data, confirming Census figures align with real-world homelessness.50 Māori and Pacific peoples are overrepresented, with cultural factors like whānau obligations exacerbating overcrowding.

Root Causes: Why Women and Children Suffer Most

Family violence drives many into homelessness; Women's Refuge reports a 19% rise in supported women since 2017. Single mothers, reliant on benefits averaging $20,000 annually post-Housing First, struggle amid soaring rents—up 20% in major cities since 2023.

Economic pressures compound this: unemployment hit 5.1% in 2025, with women in precarious work hit hardest. For children, unstable housing disrupts education; studies link SHD to higher absenteeism and developmental delays. Otago research shows Māori wāhine face compounded barriers, including systemic inequities in housing access.Career advice for public health professionals tackling social issues.

Uninhabitable dwellings—damp, mouldy rentals—exacerbate respiratory issues, particularly in kids. Dr. Fraser emphasizes state support gaps: "Women are disadvantaged by inadequate aid for single mothers."79

Unveiling Hidden Homelessness

NZ's inclusive SHD definition captures 'hidden homelessness': 61% in substandard homes, 30% sharing. Women avoid visible rough sleeping for child safety, opting for precarious arrangements that mask the crisis. Internationally, narrower definitions undercount women by 10-20%.

Otago's analysis reveals children often uncounted unless with a homeless parent, skewing interventions. Recent Salvation Army data flags youth (under 25) at 50% of cases, many with mothers.1

Explore Stats NZ 2023 Census SHD estimates for raw data.

Housing First: Proven Pathway from Otago Evaluations

Housing First (HF), pioneered globally and adapted locally, prioritizes immediate stable housing plus support services. Otago's five-year study of 204 Hamilton women housed 2014-2017 shows resounding success: 65% drop in hospitalizations, 44% fewer emergency mental health calls.81

• Housing via private rentals, Kāinga Ora, or community group homes.
• Wraparound support: health, addiction, budgeting without preconditions.
• Justice interactions fell; incomes rose modestly.

Funded by MBIE’s Endeavour Fund, this is among few NZ studies on women-specific HF outcomes. Retention high, affirming HF for families.Higher ed jobs in public health research.

Read the full paper: Evaluating fifth-year outcomes of Housing First for women.

Health and Developmental Impacts on Women and Children

SHD correlates with chronic illness: pre-HF, women averaged high hospital use; post, shifts to preventive care. Children face stunted growth, anxiety—NZ child poverty up post-COVID, pushing 18,000 more into hardship.

Mental health toll severe: 44% emergency drop signals stability's power. Māori women report cultural disconnection, amplifying trauma. Long-term: poorer educational attainment, perpetuating cycles.

Māori and Pacific Overrepresentation: Cultural Contexts

Māori comprise 76% of HF cohort yet 17% population; Pacific kids overrep in SHD. Whānau-centric living leads to overcrowding; historical land loss fuels disparities. Otago advocates culturally responsive HF, integrating kaupapa Māori services.

Rising Trends and Funding Cuts

SHD up 3%; Auckland rough sleepers doubled to 940 by Sep 2025. Govt funding slashed $79m (2025-26), despite needs. Police 'move-on' powers criticized as masking symptoms.2

HUD's 2025 insights note youth/women surge.HUD Homelessness Insights Report.

Otago's Research Leadership and Future Directions

He Kāinga Oranga's 25+ years shaped NZ policy, from SHD metrics to HF trials. Prof. Pierse's big data work informs interventions. Universities like Otago bridge research-policy gaps, training public health experts.

Future: scale HF nationally, integrate AI for targeting, boost benefits. AcademicJobs connects researchers to roles advancing equity.University jobs in NZ.

Photo by Duskfall Crew on Unsplash

Pathways Forward: Actionable Solutions

Dr. Fraser urges: prevent via policy, fund HF, raise benefits. Community housing expansion, violence prevention key. Universities role: evidence generation, workforce training.

• Invest $100m+ in HF scaling.
• Benefit uplift 20% for single parents.
• Māori-led services prioritized.

Optimism lies in data-driven approaches—Otago proves change possible.