Housing: Long-term

Here is the process to apply for long-term public housing with Kainga Ora (previously Housing NZ / Housing Corp). 

Step 1 - Call them

Call them on 0800 559 009

If you get NZ Super or Veteran's Pension, call Senior Services on 0800 552 002

Step 2 - Discuss your situation

They'll talk with you about your situation and look at ways they can help you. This includes checking what support you might be able to get to move into private housing, for example, help with rent or bond. If they think you may qualify for public housing, they’ll book a housing assessment interview for you. This is usually done over the phone but you can come in and see them if you'd prefer.

Support person or interpreter

We highly recommend you bring your peers support worker, community support worker, or key worker to your appointment. Having them there will often streamline the process. 

If you can't speak English, you can bring someone to interpret for you. Or they can provide an interpreter for you, just let them know so they can organise this.

Step 3 - Attend an interview

The interview will take about an hour. They’ll:

  • talk with you about your situation and the type of housing you need
  • confirm you meet the criteria for public housing.

You'll need to tell them at least 3 areas where you could live so you can be matched to a suitable property.

Documents you need to provide

They'll also ask you to gather some documents and drop them off to one of our service centres. They'll let you know what documents you need to get. These could be:

  • proof of who you are, such as your birth certificate, passport or driver licence
  • proof of any income (after tax) you've got in the last 52 weeks, such as wages, holiday pay, family tax credits and any other income
  • proof of any assets you have and their value
  • your business accounts, if you have your own business
  • trust documents, if you're involved in a trust, such as trust deed, deed of debt, gift statements, or accounts
  • full birth certificates for each dependent child in your care.

They may ask you to bring the same documents for other members of your household who are moving with you. Household members are people who permanently live with you.

Step 4 - Wait for a property

If you qualify for public housing, you’ll go on the social housing register. The register has details of people who need public housing and the type of property they need. They'll pass the register onto housing providers who will let you know when a suitable property becomes available. There are some things you'll need to do while you're waiting to get into a public house.

 

Step 5 - Accept a public housing offer

If a housing provider makes you an offer for a property and it suits your needs, you can accept this by signing the tenancy agreement.

Accepting a public housing offer

More information about your rights here from Community Law

https://communitylaw.org.nz/community-law-manual/test/social-housing-tenants-in-state-and-community-housing/qualifying-for-social-housing/