Auckland's Homelessness Crisis Deepens as International Students Join the Growing Numbers on the Streets

As the cold winds of winter sweep through Auckland, so too does a growing sense of despair among the city's homeless population. Advocates are sounding the alarm, warning that the number of people sleeping rough is on the rise, with international students now among those facing the harsh realities of life without a stable home.

Kildare Peterson, a dedicated volunteer who has spent years delivering food, toiletries, and clothing to those on the streets, has witnessed a troubling increase in desperation. He reports that more and more individuals are struggling to afford rent, with the housing system failing to provide adequate support for those in need.

"People are falling through the cracks," Peterson said. "Whether they're long-term homeless individuals or international students, they’re all facing the same problem: the lack of affordable housing and support services."

One man shared a harrowing story of how he deliberately got arrested to secure a temporary roof over his head, away from the grip of drugs and alcohol. However, he now admits that this was a misguided and unsustainable solution to a much deeper problem.

Ben, a long-term homeless individual who has managed to achieve sobriety, described his situation as a form of camping. "I sleep in the city centre because that’s where the services are," he said. "People in the suburbs don’t have that access. It’s a much bigger challenge for them."

Peterson, who once lived on the streets himself, continues to collect supplies from his personal funds and donations, ensuring that those in need have access to basic necessities like beanies, gloves, and jackets. He notes that many are unable to afford even one-bedroom apartments, and others have been evicted from Kāinga Ora housing due to minor rule breaches.

"It’s heartbreaking to see people choosing between food and rent," Peterson said. "They’re not making those choices out of laziness or irresponsibility. They’re making them out of desperation."

Aaron Hendry of KickBack, an organization focused on addressing youth homelessness, is calling for the implementation of a Duty to Assist legislation. This proposed law would require the government to provide emergency and transitional support, as well as long-term stable housing for those in need.

"This legislation would help identify gaps in support and guide investment in the right areas," Hendry said. "But we also have to recognize that homelessness is fundamentally a housing issue. Without sufficient housing supply, we’ll never be able to address this crisis effectively."

According to the Auckland Council, the number of identified homeless people has more than doubled in just over a year, rising from 426 in September 2024 to over 800 in May 2025. However, officials acknowledge that the actual number is likely much higher, with many individuals hidden from view due to couch-surfing, overcrowded housing, or simply avoiding the system altogether.

While the government has recently announced expanded support for rough sleepers, including immediate steps to facilitate stable housing, advocates argue that more action is needed to address the systemic nature of the crisis. They warn that without a comprehensive and long-term solution, the number of people sleeping on the streets will continue to rise.

As the city grapples with this growing challenge, the voices of those on the streets remain a powerful reminder of the urgent need for change. For every individual who finds themselves without a home, there is a story of struggle, resilience, and a plea for support that cannot be ignored.

"We can’t continue to ignore this crisis," Peterson said. "It’s time for real action, not just words."