Bay of Plenty Homelessness Rises as Cost of Living Bites

As winter bites harder and the cost of living continues to rise, homelessness appears to be increasing across the Bay of Plenty.

Whakatāne Community Constable Rob Jones says supporting people experiencing homelessness has become a daily part of his role.

"It's something I deal with every day, whether it's people asking about it or making complaints," Jones said.

According to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development’s latest Homelessness Outlook, an estimated 5.7% of the Bay of Plenty population is experiencing some form of homelessness. This includes people sleeping rough, in cars, or in unstable housing arrangements.

Jones explains that the reasons people end up on the streets are complex and varied, which makes solutions difficult.

"Everyone we talk to has their own story," he said. "We just try to do our best to support them however we can."

He also highlighted the balance required in his role.

"There’s a challenge between doing what’s right for the public and finding realistic solutions for those on the street."

While concern among residents in the Eastern Bay is growing, Jones stressed that homelessness is a national issue.

"It isn't just a Whakatāne issue, it’s happening all over New Zealand. Places like Rotorua and Tauranga are dealing with even bigger problems."

In response to rising need, Rotorua-based charity Love Soup is proposing a new initiative: Adopt a Streetie. The idea encourages local residents to offer free accommodation to someone experiencing homelessness in exchange for help with odd jobs around the house.

This follows the closure of their previous project, The Village of Hope, which was shut down by the Lakes Council due to compliance issues.

Love Soup founder Julie King told the Rotorua Daily Post that the new idea was inspired by international hosting projects where guests stay in homes rent-free in exchange for chores.

“This concept has been on my mind for a while,” King said. “It felt like a natural next step from what we started with the Village of Hope.”

Regardless of the approach, it’s clear that across the Bay of Plenty, both officials and residents are working to support vulnerable members of their communities in increasingly creative and compassionate ways.