Youth advocates have criticised Budget 2026 for failing to address record homelessness levels, as a new report found homelessness had reached its highest recorded level in Aotearoa.
More than half of those experiencing homelessness are under 24, according to Community Housing Aotearoa. Māori made up 28.8% of people experiencing homelessness, despite representing 17.1% of the population.
Manaaki Rangatahi chief executive Bianca Johanson said the Budget had abandoned young homeless people. "I heard [critics] call this the abandonment budget. They have abandoned us and that's how it feels," she said. "If you're a rangatahi and you're homeless in Aotearoa tonight, after this budget, your life stays the same."
The Budget allocated $69.2 million to the Flexible Housing Fund, which Housing Minister Chris Bishop said would deliver between 1800 and 2250 additional social homes over three years from 2028/29. A further $22.4 million over two years was allocated to prevent households needing emergency housing.
But Johanson said there was little specifically targeting youth homelessness or Māori young people. "There is just more picking on the poor, making things tougher for those that are already just finding it hard to survive daily," she said.
Manaaki Rangatahi Waikato regional connector Danielle Marks said: "I think first and foremost, it's really disgusting that Māori especially are homeless on their own whenua."
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston said the Budget was designed to incentivise getting people into work. "The social safety net is there when it's needed, but it must be sustainable, and target those in highest need," she said. The Budget included $93.3 million to support 25,000 sole parents into employment.
Social housing tenants will pay more toward rent from April next year, increasing from 25% to 30% of income. The government is not on track to meet most of its child poverty reduction targets, with only one of three Treasury-modelled measures forecast to meet the 2027 target.
Manaaki Rangatahi are continuing their call for a national youth homelessness strategy, better data collection, and stronger protections for young people leaving state care.