Housing Election Forum 2026
Join Bishop Justin and Catholic Archbishop Paul Martin, community voices, and political representatives for a unique forum on one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most pressing challenges: Housing.
Hosted by church and community organisations, the Housing Election Forum 2026 will explore homelessness, housing affordability, social housing, and pathways to secure, safe and dignified homes for all.
Speakers:
Community
Jennie Smeaton
(Ngati Toa, Ngati Tama, Ngati Mutunga) Deputy Chief Executive, Te ROnanga o Toa Rangatira.
Jennie will provide Ngati Toa iwi perspective
Alicia Sudden
Kaiwhakahaere Matua, Chief Executive Officer for the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services providing flax roots advocacy for a just and compassionate Aotearoa.
Natalia Cleland
Manahauto, Chief Executive Downtown City Ministry (DCM), a community organisation supporting people experiencing homelessness.
Mike Gourley
Disability rights advocate with over forty years, real life experiences of accessibility and housing issues.
Politicians
Hon Tama Potaka
From Mokai Patea Whanganui Taranaki, and surrounding lwi of Te Tai Hauauru and Te Kahui Maunga. Minister for Maori Development, Minister Whanau Ora, Minister for Conservation, Minister for Maori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti, and Associate Minister of Housing (Social Housing).
Hon Kieran McAnulty
Labour Party List MP, Shadow Leader of the House, and spokesperson for Housing, Infrastructure and Public Investment.
Andy Foster
Housing spokesperson for New Zealand First. A former Wellington Mayor and currently Chairperson of Transport & Infrastructure Select Committee.
Tamatha Paul
From Ngati Awa, Waikato Tainui, MP for Wellington Central and Green Party spokesperson for Housing, Justice, Police, Courts, Corrections and Youth.
Hear perspectives grounded in faith and community experience, learn about the housing policies being proposed by political parties, and be part of the conversation about creating a future where everyone has a decent home.
Wednesday 23 September 2026
Wellington Cathedral of St Paul
Refreshments from 5:45pm | Forum begins 6:30pm | Ends 8:00pm
Livestream and recording available nationwide.
