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National | Homeless

Final Cross-Party Inquiry into Homelessness reaches Wellington

A politician put a homeless person up in her own home as a result of the homeless issue hitting New Zealand. This was one of the many stories shared today during the last day of the  Cross-Party Inquiry into Homelessness. But will there be any tangible benefits or will the government simply ignore it?

Homelessness is an issue that now demands desperate measures.

Marama Fox says, "Paula Bennett said in the house that people would be housed within seven says on average. We had Lou Hudgenson that present today, she moved in with me and my family because she literally had nowhere to go."

Labour, Green and Māori parties are conducting a cross-party inquiry into homelessness, which went around the country, ending in Wellington today. But will it actually have an impact?

When asked what actual benefits are we likely to see from this inquiry, Phil Twyford answered, "You're going to see a collection of recommendations and clear proposals for government action. "

We're going to get clear proposals out there. Like I said, the polls show that Labour and the Greens are neck and neck with National. If the government continues to block its ears on this issue, then the people of New Zealand are going to have a very clear decision to make next year."

John key adds, "If something unique comes out of the inquiry that the government hasn't considered and the officials think it's a good idea, then we'll take that on board. Though I haven't seen anything yet that we're not aware of."

The Greens say they will work with Labour on policies regarding homelessness.

"We will do so as we have already worked with the Māori Party and Labour to try and address this issue of homelessness," Marama Davidson explains.

The most significant report will be the one the voters give next year.