# Doors to Dignity Campaign — Cross-Party Housing Initiative

**Source:** Christchurch Methodist Mission / Doors to Dignity / RNZ  
**Date:** 24 March 2026 (Parliament launch)  
**Campaign URL:** https://www.doorstodignity.nz/  
**RNZ Coverage:** https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/590530/homelessness-among-older-people-at-crisis-levels-christchurch-methodist-mission-says  
**Petition:** https://www.doorstodignity.nz/take-action/ (closes 1 July 2026)  
**Accessed:** 9 June 2026

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## Overview

Doors to Dignity is a nationwide initiative led by the Christchurch Methodist Mission focused on addressing the older persons housing crisis. Launched at Parliament on 24 March 2026 with cross-party support.

## Cross-Party Support

- **Chris Bishop** (Minister for Housing, National)
- **Kieran McAnulty** (Labour Housing Spokesperson)
- **Tamatha Paul** (Green Party Housing Spokesperson)
- **Andy Foster** (NZ First Housing Spokesperson)

## Key Statistics

- **2 out of every 3 renters aged 65–74** spend 40% or more of their income on rent
- Percentage of those **aged over 65 on the social housing register** has grown faster than any other age group
- **50%** of people on the social housing register need a one-bedroom house
- Only **12%** of Kāinga Ora (state housing) stock is one-bedroom
- Only **2%** of NZ's overall housing stock is **accessible** (despite growing ageing population and >25% of population being disabled)
- People >65 on housing register up **90% since 2020**
- Petition received **911 signatures** at launch

## Key Quotes

### Jill Hawkey — Executive Director, Christchurch Methodist Mission

> "We see it from our housing outreach teams, we've in recent weeks found a couple of women in their eighties who have been homeless and two men last week in their seventies who are homeless."

### Chris Bishop — Housing Minister

> "Fifty percent of people of the [social housing] register need a one bedroom house. Twelve percent of Kainga Ora stock is one bedroom. We've been building the wrong houses for years and years."

### Tamatha Paul — Green Party Housing Spokesperson

> "Only 2 percent of our overall housing stock is accessible and that's despite the fact that we have a growing ageing population."

## Campaign Endorsements

- **Grey Power** Federation Board endorsed the campaign at its April 2026 Board meeting
- Endorsed by multiple community organisations

## KB Cross-References

- **09_Housing_and_Accommodation**: Core campaign on older persons housing
- **08_Elder_Abuse_and_Advocacy**: Advocacy campaign for seniors' rights
- **13_Consumer_Guides**: Senior housing guidance
- Grey Power endorsement: https://www.greypower.co.nz/news/federation-board-supports-doors-to-dignity-campaign

## What's Needed

- Build affordable, accessible, warm homes embedded in communities
- Fix mismatch between housing supply and older people's needs (more one-bedroom units)
- Improve data collection on homelessness among older people (move beyond 5-yearly census)
- Increase accessible housing stock for ageing and disabled population