4 mins to read Government takes ‘hard choices’ on reforming social housing Chris Bishop says the current system is ‘not fair and not right’, while lifting social housing rents. Social housing tenants face higher rents from next year. Brent Edwards Thu, 21 May 2026 © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. The Government is lifting social housing rents to help pay for an increase in the accommodation supplement. In a pre-Budget announcement
today, Housing Minister Chris Bishop said rentals on social housing would rise from 25% of a tenant’s income to 30% from April 1 next year. At the same time, Want to read more? It’s easy. Choose your subscription Already have an account? Login Smartphone Only Subscription NZ$29.95 / monthly Monthly Premium Online Subscription NZ$49.95 / monthly Smartphone Only Annual Subscription NZ$299.00 / yearly Yearly Premium Online Subscription NZ$499.00 / yearly Premium Group Membership 10 Users NZ$385+GST / monthly $38.5 per user – Pay by monthly
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at $499). View terms and conditions. Brent Edwards Thu, 21 May 2026 Contact the Writer: brent@nbr.co.nz News tip? Question? Typo? Let us know: editor@nbr.co.nz © All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription. Budget 2026 Social Housing income-related rents accommodation supplement Government Chris Bishop Louise Upston Kāinga Ora Free News Alerts Sign up to get the latest stories and insights delivered to your inbox – free, every day. Related News Edwards on Politics A
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social housing rents, Chris Bishop, accommodation supplement, income-related rents, reforming social housing, April 1 next year, pre-Budget announcement, Budget 2026