Aucklanders gather for World Homeless Day as rough sleeping rises

Aucklanders are gathering in the city for World Homeless Day (WHD), an annual event aimed at raising awareness of homelessness and the need for long-term solutions.

WHD began globally in 2010 with the goal of drawing attention to the needs of people experiencing homelessness and encouraging communities to engage in response efforts.

In Tāmaki Makaurau, socially conscious organisations have come together at St Patrick’s Square to provide free food, health checks, showers, legal support, and other services. Activities include free vaccinations, legal advice, mobile showers, provision of kai, and live music performances in the afternoon.

Speaking with John Pulu on PMN Tonga, Pam Elgar, an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) and the Executive Chair at Lifewise, says homelessness in Auckland’s Central Business District (CBD) has reached “a tipping point”.

“Behind these headlines are real people who don't have a home, who might have challenges of mental health, addiction, they lack the safe accomodation and holistic support. So now more than ever the homeless need a voice,” Elgar says.

“World Homeless Day presents us with an opportunity for the community to stand in solidarity with our homeless whānau, to serve them and to bring them some joy while shining a light on the homelessness crisis and amplifying the stories of those who live with it every day.”

The Auckland event also includes contributions from community providers such as Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Auckland Community Law, Orange Sky, Fair Food, Rapid Relief Team, and the Auckland City Mission.

Listen to Pam Elgar’s full interview on PMN Tonga below.

Research by Orange Sky Aotearoa found that more than one in six New Zealanders have personally experienced homelessness, which represents 18 per cent of the population. The figure includes people living rough, couch surfing, or staying in insecure or overcrowded housing.

More than one in five New Zealanders also know someone who has been homeless, while nearly 30 per cent have faced financial hardship, such as skipping meals or going without heating to make ends meet.

According to Auckland Council’s Community Committee, rough sleeping in the city surged by 53 per cent over four months, rising from 426 in September 2024 to 653 in January of this year.

Auckland Council patrollers try to wake up a rough sleeper. Photo/RNZ/Finn Blackwell

Organisers say Friday’s event aims to provide immediate support while also sparking long-term change. Elgar says homelessness is not a “simple fix”, considering other factors like mental health, addiction, and the housing crisis.

“We want long-term systemic policies put in place. We'd love bipartisan policies from all government persuasions so that we don't get a shoving back and forth between whether you're red, blue, green, or Māori.

“We want everyone to have an equal chance of being supported. We know that there's a massive wealth distribution in New Zealand and it's getting broader. So for those that have, we'd like them to dip into their pockets a bit more and help those that don't,” Elgar says.

“Those that are needy, then we'd love to support them to get well and to be able to look after themselves. Ultimately, we want New Zealand's most vulnerable not to become pawns in political debates. We want to unite them to develop long-term stable solutions that address these complex challenges with the dignity and support that they deserve.”