Ministry Downplays Rough Sleeper Numbers as "Narrative" in Leaked Document

Internal Ministry of Social Development documents claim there is "no evidence" for hundreds of rough sleepers, a statement the Ministry now says was inaccurate and "shouldn't have been included."

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 15, 2026, 4:57 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The "Tactical Plan" Documents

The comments were discovered within a two-page briefing to regional managers regarding MSD’s "Tactical Plan for Rough Sleepers." The plan was designed to improve engagement between the Ministry and those living on the streets.

The briefing stated:

"There is a narrative across the sector that there are hundreds of NZs [New Zealanders] without shelter... There is no evidence to validate these statements."

It further suggested that the Tactical Plan was put in place to "support dispelling any myths" regarding the willingness of rough sleepers to engage with government services.

MSD Response: "Inaccurate and Should Not Have Been Included"