The government's policy of berating families for not saving more is once more blaming the victims rather than generating long term effective economic and social policies. An inability to afford market rentals being asked for Housing New Zealand houses as well as the costs of moving are making the temporary permanent in many cases. Overcrowding with the many associated problems prevalent. Instability of housing and high mobility are symptoms of homelessness. A flexible and inclusive definition of homelessness needs to be adopted so problems can be accurately identified and addressed.
Children are the silent witnesses to the problems of high levels of housing mobility.
Increasing numbers of families are unable to afford their accommodation costs. Doubling up with other family members or friends is resulting in a marked increase in infectious diseases which are related to poverty such as meningitis. Apart from disease, children are deprived of sleep, often unable to go to bed until the last adult does. Their physical growth is affected, hygiene deteriorates and head lice and scabies become prevalent. Disrupted education and health records have serious implications both individually and for the community.