Worried about the lack of play spaces

was designed to be short-term housing was stretching into months, and children had different needs to adults.

“Children just can't take a short break from cramped living conditions and go for a walk and motels are not set up with adequate playing and recreation spaces,” she said.

Nga¯i Te Rangi chief executive Paora Stanley said many families did not have good areas for kids to play, including those in private homes.

Proximity to playgrounds and outdoor play spaces should be considered in emergency housing, “but on that same token, not everybody has that privilege and advantage.”

Ministry of Social Development regional director Kim Going said the ministry’s priority was finding somewhere for families to stay and they were limited by the location and features of motels.

“We want to find an immediate option that provides a roof quickly, given families facing homelessness are in a vulnerable position.”

When families don’t feel safe, the agency works with them to find alternatives where possible.

A flexible funding package for wha¯nau with children in emergency housing can cover extra costs for immediate needs that were due to staying in emergency housing, especially related to keeping kids in education, early childhood education, or to address wellbeing needs.

A Ka¯inga Ora homes and communities spokesman said the organisation’s larger developments typically included shared spaces such as community rooms and common green spaces with playgrounds

Tauranga City Council said it aimed to have a neighbourhood reserve — most with a playground — every 500m in residential zones.