Key Takeaways
- Businesses in Tauranga are struggling with issues related to "aggressive" rough sleepers, including vandalism, theft, and intimidation.
- Homelessness-related complaints to the Tauranga City Council have more than doubled since 2021, with 706 complaints in 2024/25.
- The Ministry of Social Development has 660 applicants on the waiting list for public housing in Tauranga, highlighting the need for more affordable housing options.
- Community organizations and local authorities are working together to address the issue, but more needs to be done to provide support and services for those in need.
- The root causes of homelessness, including poverty, addiction, and trauma, need to be addressed in order to effectively reduce homelessness in the area.
Introduction to the Issue
The city of Tauranga is facing a growing problem with homelessness, with businesses and residents alike feeling the effects. The issue is not just about a lack of housing, but also about the complex social and economic factors that contribute to homelessness. As the city works to revitalize its central business district, the presence of rough sleepers and aggressive behavior is undermining these efforts. According to the Ministry of Social Development, there were 660 applicants waiting for public housing in Tauranga in September, highlighting the need for more affordable housing options.
The Impact on Businesses
Businesses in the area are struggling to cope with the issues related to homelessness. Many have reported experiencing aggressive encounters and disruption, including vandalism, theft, and intimidation. Some businesses have even moved to escape the problems, while others face daily clean-ups of urine and other debris. The owners of The Pottery Studio, for example, moved their business from Devonport Road to Tenth Avenue in part because of the issues caused by the homeless. "They could become quite aggressive," said owner Penny Henderson. "We’ve had one get really angry outside and start kicking things. Police came and took him away." The Barrio Brothers and Sugo owner Josh Fitzgerald also expressed frustration with the situation, stating that the homeless have "taken over" the public spaces and are impacting his business.
The Complexity of the Issue
The issue of homelessness is complex and multifaceted, and cannot be solved simply by providing more housing. Many people who are homeless are not equipped to move into housing, due to unresolved trauma, addiction, and other issues. Ani Stace, strategic partnership and funding manager for the charitable trust Under the Stars, emphasized the need for wrap-around support services to help individuals address these underlying issues. "Until that support is offered, then there is absolutely no way that homelessness will improve," she said. Community Housing Aotearoa policy and practice manager Amanda Kelly also highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing homelessness, including collaboration, culturally grounded responses, and more affordable housing with appropriate support.
The Rise in Complaints
Homelessness-related complaints to the Tauranga City Council have increased significantly, with a 156.73% rise between 2021 and 2025. The council’s customer service centre received 706 complaints in 2024/25, largely related to welfare concerns, rough sleeping in public spaces, and antisocial behavior around shopfronts. The council’s 2025 Residents’ Survey found that 85% of respondents believed homelessness in Tauranga was an issue in the past 12 months, a sentiment that had "significantly increased" since 2024. Council regulatory and community services acting general manager Alex Miller attributed the rise in complaints to a combination of factors, including a growing homeless population, increased visibility of the issue, and more effective reporting mechanisms.
The Response from Authorities
Local authorities and community organizations are working together to address the issue of homelessness in Tauranga. The Tauranga City Council’s City Safety Engagement Team is providing support to central city businesses with safety and security concerns, and the council is also working with the police and other agencies to provide a coordinated response to housing hardship. The Ministry of Social Development is also providing support, including funding for housing first, transitional housing, and outreach services. However, more needs to be done to provide long-term solutions to the issue, including addressing the root causes of homelessness such as poverty, addiction, and trauma. As Inspector Zane Smith, area prevention manager for the Western Bay of Plenty police, noted, "Homelessness is not a criminal matter, but a complex social issue requiring a multi-agency approach."
