At Making Everything Achievable, we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home — one that is safe, connected, and grounded in dignity and whakapapa. Our latest contributions highlight the urgent efforts underway to address homelessness across Aotearoa, from youth-led movements in Tāmaki Makaurau to local government strategies in Te Awakairangi (Lower Hutt).
Tackling the Urgent Youth Homelessness Crisis in Tāmaki Makaurau in 2025
He kaupapa nui, he kaupapa tika.
On 28 March, over 80 organisations, community leaders, and taitamariki gathered in Tāmaki Makaurau to face the reality of youth homelessness head-on. Commissioned by Mā Te Huruhuru and developed by the Manaaki Rangatahi Collective with Making Everything Achievable, this report is a powerful call to action grounded in the voices, dreams, and lived experiences of taitamariki.
Born from a moment where homelessness literally arrived on the doorstep, More Than a Home is a collective response to a crisis that can no longer be ignored. It captures kōrero from the hui, post-it note reflections, and bold visions for a future where all young people are housed, supported, and able to thrive.
The report has three urgent asks for Government:
What we heard was clear:
Taitamariki want homes that are safe, grounded in culture, and connected to whānau and whenua. They seek more than shelter; they seek belonging, healing, and opportunity.
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He rangatahi, he anamata.
Our young people are not the problem; they are the solution.
Read the full report and join us in taking meaningful action:
Evaluation of Hutt City Council’s Homelessness Strategy Action Plan Implementation
He kaupapa aroha, he kaupapa mahi tahi.
In 2019, Hutt City Council adopted a bold vision — a 24-point Homelessness Strategy and Action Plan — committing $1.6 million annually to address the complex causes and consequences of homelessness in the community. The plan was developed to align with national policies like the previous MAIHI National Māori Housing Strategy and the Government’s Homelessness Action Plan, while centring local responses led by communities.
Commissioned by Hutt City Council and delivered by MEA with lead Researcher Dr Franz Smith in 2024, this independent evaluation assesses the impact of the Strategy’s implementation from 2019 to 2022.
This report tells two important stories:
What we heard was clear:
Addressing homelessness takes more than funding. It requires whakawhanaungatanga, early intervention, systems change, and commitment to honouring mana motuhake.
This report is a call to reflect, refine, and reignite our shared responsibility to ensure everyone in Te Awakairangi has a place to call home.
The HCC full report will be available shortly.
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