Noqu Vale: Community organisation professionals’ views on what works and what needs to change for Pasifika housing

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The shortage of suitable and affordable housing within Aotearoa New Zealand is creating vulnerability in communities and is a barrier encountered by community organisation professionals (COPs) working in the housing field. Pasifika peoples are particularly disadvantaged, experiencing higher levels of household overcrowding, being less likely to own their own home, and being more likely to be tenants of social housing than other ethnicities. Increasing numbers of Pasifika peoples affected by housing issues require immediate (emergency, crisis) or long-term community social housing support, in an already constrained housing system. While there continues to be significant literature exploring facets of Pasifika housing in AotearoaNew Zealand, there is a lack of research on COPs’ perspectives regarding Pasifika housing focused on the Wellington region. METHOD: This research takes an exploratory, qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with three COPs based in the Wellington region. Interview transcripts were thematically analysed. FINDINGS: Findings address “what’s working” and include: wrap-around services, collaboration, advocacy, and empowering families. COP perspectives on “what needs to change” include: quality and quantity of housing, affordability, and racism and discrimination. IMPLICATIONS: The implications are that a holistic and collaborative practice approach taken between community and government organisations, needs to be harnessed if outcomes for Pasifika housing are to improve.