New Zealand will attempt to get its entire homeless population off the streets during the colder months.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Housing Minister Phil Twyford on Friday announced a $100 million homelessness funding package which included $37 million "to urgently increase housing supply this winter".
"There's no reason why there should be homelessness in a country like New Zealand. We've said from the outset that we believe we're a country that has the prosperity and the empathy to make sure that everyone is housed," Ms Ardern said.
An estimated 40,000 people live on the streets or in emergency housing in New Zealand - the highest in the OECD.
The new initiative will add more than 1,500 additional transitional and public housing options over the coming months.
Housing Minister Phil Twyford made the point that "no one needs to live in a car this winter. The government stands willing and ready to help anyone who needs help this winter".
"(We) will make sure everyone is helped to find warm, dry housing this winter, and our most vulnerable people and families get the intensive help they need," Mr Twyford said.
In a Facebook live video after the event, Ms Ardern said: "We've really made a plea today, any marae, any seasonal housing that might be available, please contact us, we'll work alongside you".
