Housing

If you need urgent accommodation, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) may be able to help with Emergency Housing. MSD also provides a range of other housing supports including;

• Accommodation Supplement
• Bond and rent in advance assistance
• Public/social housing applications through Kāinga Ora

To access these services, contact Work and Income directly. The Work and Income service centre in Oamaru is located at 23 Coquet Street.

The Warmer Kiwi Homes programme, administered by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), provides grants to assist eligible homeowners with insulation and heating upgrades. The programme covers:

• Up to 90% of the cost of ceiling and underfloor insulation
• Up to 90% of the cost of an approved heating appliance (e.g. heat pump or wood burner)

You may also be able to get support from Cosy Homes Trust, including:

• Navigating the application process
• Coordinating with approved installers
• Assistance with covering remaining costs not met by the grant (subject to available funding and eligibility criteria)

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora provides practical information and advice for making your home warmer, drier, and healthier, whether you rent or own. Its healthy homes guide includes tips on reducing dampness and mould, improving ventilation, choosing effective heating, and how to keep heat in. 

If you’re facing housing-related legal issues such as tenancy disputes, eviction, or discrimination, there are organisations that can help, including:

Tenancy Services: Tenancy Services is the government agency responsible for administering tenancy law in New Zealand. It provides comprehensive information and tools to support both landlords and tenants under the Residential Tenancies Act. Key services include:

• Guidance on tenancy agreements
• Information on bond requirements and processes
• Templates for issuing a 14-day notice to remedy when obligations have been breached
• Information on Healthy Homes Standards and compliance requirements
• Access to dispute resolution services, including mediation and the Tenancy Tribunal

Interpreting services and NZ Relay support are available for those who need assistance in other languages or communication formats.

Freephone: 0800 836 262 (available Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:30pm)

Community Law: Community Law is a nationwide network of law centres providing free, confidential legal advice to people who cannot afford a lawyer. Services include one-on-one legal support and access to the Community Law Manual Online, a comprehensive and easy-to-read resource covering common legal questions, including tenancy issues.

Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB): CAB provides free, independent information and advice to help people understand their rights and responsibilities. Its online information hub covers a wide range of topics, including tenancy issues.

Aratohu Tenancy Advocacy: An online resource developed by CAB. It provides information and guidance to tenants and their advocates, including information on tenancy rights and responsibilities, approaches to resolving issues, and references to relevant legislation. The site also includes practical tools and links to support services.

Council provides community housing units located in Oamaru, Hampden and Palmerston. These units are provided to help meet housing needs, which are not being met by other housing providers. For more information, click here.

Other local services that may be helpful include:

• Aukaha Better Homes programme: This programme supports whānau with tamariki experiencing housing-related illness, pregnant women, and households facing overcrowding. Eligible participants may live in private rentals, community or social housing, or owner-occupied homes. The programme includes a Home Performance Assessment and may provide interventions to keep homes warmer and healthier.
• Family Works financial mentoring programme: Free one-on-one support to help individuals and families manage debt, set financial goals, and improve financial stability.
• Family Works EnergyMate programme: Free in-home energy coaching service that helps households better understand and manage their electricity use. The programme offers practical tips and tricks to save money on power bills and keep homes warm.
• Habitat for Humanity Home Repair programme: Supports low-income homeowners with essential home repairs. Interest-free loans of up to $20,000 are available, repayable over up to five years, with affordability assessed. Projects are delivered in partnership with homeowners and commonly include insulation and heating upgrades, roof and spouting repairs, window replacements, and bathroom improvements.
• Otago Regional Council home heating recommendations: Offers guidance on efficient and compliant home heating options, including approved wood burners and air quality considerations.
• Waitaki District Libraries healthy homes toolbox: The toolbox is available for free loan from the library. It includes practical tools to help assess and improve home health, such as a thermometer, power meter, thermometer hygrometer, and moisture meter.