The Public Service housing sector helps ensure New Zealanders have somewhere safe and healthy to live.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao.

Tā te rāngai whare mahi What the housing sector does

The housing sector is led by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. It is responsible for funding and managing the housing and urban development system in New Zealand. It works closely with Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities, community housing providers, developers, social services, councils and other organisations.

Kāinga Ora manages New Zealand’s public housing, and also acts as landlord for these properties. In addition, it partners with the development community, Māori, local and central government and others on urban development projects of all sizes.

The Strategic Planning Reform Board works to change how New Zealanders make decisions about the environment, leading to better resource regulation, land use planning and infrastructure provision.

The Ministry of Social Development provides assistance for New Zealanders who have nowhere to stay, need to apply for public housing or need help with housing costs, while the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment provides services for resolving tenancy disputes, holds bond money in trust and enforces compliance with housing legislation and associated regulations.

The Real Estate Authority works to promote and protect the interests of people buying and selling real estate.

New Zealand needs thriving communities where everyone has a place to call home.

Ngā kaimahi o te rāngai whare Who works in the housing sector

A variety of people work in the housing sector, including:

  • policy and funding advisors
  • project managers and administrators
  • research advisors, data analysts and media specialists
  • property management, acquisition and auditing roles
  • case managers and client services support.

The sector also employs qualified tradespeople, such as builders and plumbers.

Ngā painga o te rāngai whare mō Aotearoa How the housing sector benefits New Zealand

Working together the housing sector helps New Zealanders by increasing housing supply, making housing more affordable and delivering quality urban development and thriving communities with open spaces and the facilities that communities need.

Depending on their responsibilities, housing sector organisations:

  • monitor community housing providers and work to reduce homelessness
  • help people in need to access warm, dry and secure housing
  • support urban development
  • provide tenants and landlords with advice about their rights and responsibilities and the standards rental properties must meet to be considered a healthy home.

Ngā whakahaere rāngai whare Housing sector organisations

These are the main Public Service organisations that support Aotearoa New Zealand’s housing sector.

  • Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities

    Kāinga Ora is a Crown Agent that brings together the people, capabilities, and resources of the KiwiBuilt Unit, Housing New Zealand and its subsidiary HLC. This achieves a more joined-up approach to housing and urban development. Kāinga Ora manages public housing and acts as landlord for these properties. It partners with local government, Māori and community groups on urban development and reducing homelessness.

    Sectors

    Housing

    Social 

    Chair

    Hon Vui Mark Gosche, Chair

    Leadership groups

    Public Service Leadership Team 

    Website

    kaingaora.govt.nz

  • Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga | Ministry of Housing and Urban Development

    Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga - The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) shapes the strategies and work programmes for housing and urban development in Aotearoa New Zealand. HUD is working to make significant, long-term change, while also helping individuals, whānau and communities with their immediate needs.  

    Sectors 

    Housing 

    Social 

    Leader 

    Andrew Crisp, Te Tumu Whakarae mō Te Tūāpapa Kura Kāinga | Secretary for Housing and Urban Development and Chief Executive 

    Current Public Service Leaders 

    Leadership groups 

    Public Service Leadership Team

    Website 

    hud.govt.nz

  • Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora | Ministry of Social Development

    The Ministry of Social Development manages and delivers New Zealand’s welfare system. It works with other organisations, communities and iwi to build strong, healthy families and societies. It provides employment, income support and superannuation services that help people in New Zealand be safe, strong and independent. Its work also includes social housing assistance, funding for family and sexual violence prevention, funding for community service providers, social cohesion, resolving claims of historical abuse and managing student loans to help young people achieve their education goals.  

    Sectors 

    Housing 

    Population 

    Social 

    Leader 

    Debbie Power, Te Tumu Whakarae mō te Whakahiato Ora | Secretary for Social Development and Chief Executive 

    Current Public Service Leaders

    Leadership groups 

    Public Service Leadership Team 

    Website 

    msd.govt.nz

  • Hīkina Whakatutuki | Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment

    The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment works to Grow Aotearoa New Zealand for All.  It includes service providers, policy makers, investors and regulators. It engages with diverse communities, businesses and regions.  Its work touches on the daily lives of New Zealanders. Its focus is to grow opportunities (Puāwai), guard and protect (Kaihāpai) and innovate and navigate towards a better future (Auaha). 

    Sectors 

    Border 

    Business 

    Housing

    International and trade  

    Leader 

    Carolyn Tremain, Te Tumu Whakarae mō Hīkina Whakatutuki | Secretary for Business, Innovation, and Employment and Chief Executive 

    Current Public Service Leaders 

    Leadership groups 

    Public Service Leadership Team 

    Website 

    mbie.govt.nz 

  • Te Mana Papawhenua | Real Estate Authority (Real Estate Agents Authority)

    The Real Estate Authority (REA) is a Crown agent and regulator of licensed real estate professionals. REA promotes and protects the interests of people who buy and sell real estate. Its work to licence the people and companies in the real estate industry, to educate the sector, and to oversee a complaints and discipline process means the public can have confidence in the performance of real estate agencies and agents.

    Sectors

    Housing

    Chair

    Denese Bates QC, Chair

    Website

    rea.govt.nz

  • Strategic Planning Reform Board

    The Strategic Planning Reform Board leads the development of new strategic planning legislation, as part of the Public Service’s resource management reforms. The Board works to change how New Zealanders make decisions about the environment, allowing for better resource regulation, infrastructure provision and climate change response.  

    Sectors 

    Environment 

    Housing