29.09.2026
Hema Sridhar, Koi Tū’s Deputy Director, has contributed to a new insight report that examines the long-term future of housing in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The report, The Courage to Choose, has been released by Community Housing Aotearoa Hub (CHA Hub).
It brings together politicians, economists, researchers and community leaders to explore what’s required to achieve meaningful change in the hosing system, and how New Zealand can build the political and institutional commitment needed to sustain it.
A number of contributors have taken part in long-form video interviews to support the report.
In her interview, Hema argues that many of New Zealand’s biggest challenges – including housing, productivity, social cohesion and infrastructure – can’t be solved through short-term policy responses.
“We’re very good at short-term thinking,” says Hema. “But if we think of all of the issues we’re facing, whether that’s climate change, housing or energy, a three-year political cycle is just not sufficient.”
Hema says housing also needs to be understood as part of a wider system, which has direct links to health, education, community wellbeing and social cohesion.
The discussion also explores the role artificial intelligence could play in future decision-making. Hema says AI has the potential to help governments make sense of complex evidence and support better long-term decisions, but cautions that its use depends on public trust, strong governance and retaining human agency over values-based decisions.
Links:
Download The Courage to Choose report
Read a summary of Hema’s interview
Listen to a podcast of Hema’s interview
Watch Hema’s interview below
