Kick Back Leader Calls for Action to Protect Rangatahi and End Youth Homelessness

On Wednesday, 21 October 2026, youth advocate Aaron Hendry addressed the urgent need for systemic reform to end youth homelessness in Aotearoa. Speaking as the General Manager of Kick Back, a youth development and social justice organisation, Hendry highlighted that housing insecurity for rangatahi often remains hidden, with many young people moving between temporary stays, vehicles, or unsafe environments. As reported by Waatea News, Hendry is calling for a shift in how the nation supports its most vulnerable young people. He argued that effective responses for Māori rangatahi must move beyond emergency accommodation to focus on cultural identity, belonging, and connections to whānau and whenua. Hendry suggested that community-led and kaupapa Māori approaches are essential for ensuring support responds to a young person’s unique circumstances rather than treating homelessness as an isolated housing issue. Kick Back’s advocacy emphasizes that long-term prevention is as critical as immediate relief. Hendry noted that lasting solutions require a combination of affordable housing, early intervention, and better coordination between government agencies and community services. This is particularly vital for those transitioning out of institutional care or unstable family environments. According to Hendry, the goal is not merely providing a roof, but ensuring rangatahi have the safety, stable relationships, and opportunities required to thrive. By listening directly to young people and placing their experiences at the centre of policy design, Hendry believes Aotearoa can build a future where every young person has a secure place to call home.