Internationally, housing is recognised as a key determinant of health. The location, physical quality, level of crowding and the cost of housing all impact directly on health. The high cost of housing, particularly in Auckland, leaves less money for other items essential to good health including a nutritious diet, access to primary health services, winter heating, education and transport. This means the poorest people are most likely to be forced into substandard housing. Crowding is a persistent and increasing problem within the Auckland region. Cold, damp housing is one of the most common problems and is strongly associated with poor health and respiratory conditions. Approximately one third of houses are uninsulated and do not meet World Health Organization minimum standards for indoor temperature.

The Auckland region is facing significant population growth with an expected 140,000 more people within 20 years. Good urban design or developments can have a significant impact on people’s health and wellbeing.

While other sectors are responsible for leading work on housing Auckland Regional Public Health Service (ARPHS) has recognised that it is essential to work collaboratively with other agencies and to develop intersectional linkages to improve housing and living conditions within the Auckland region.

Currently ARPHS key housing and health activities are:

• The Healthy Housing Programme – a collaborative initiative with Housing New Zealand Corporation (HNZC) to reduce the risk of housing-related health problems, reduce crowding and improve linkages for HNZC families with health and social service agencies. A leaflet about the programme (PDF, 215.34 KB) is available for download.
• Review of housing and health literature - a summary report is available
• Provide policy analysis and advice on housing-related policies at a national and regional level.
• Promote insulation retrofitting initiatives.
• Provide public health input into urban design and community regeneration – refer to Chapter 3 (urban development) in Improving health and wellbeing: A public health perspective for local authorities in the Auckland region .
• Promote Health Impact Assessment for urban design and housing developments.

For further information about ARPHS work in housing and health please contact: