New Zealand's Finance Minister Nicola Willis has apologized for suggesting that people in social housing had "won the lotto," walking back comments that sparked outrage across the country's housing sector.
The remarks came as Willis announced sweeping changes to social housing policy, including raising income-related rent contributions from 25% to 30% for approximately 84,000 households. The increase will see tenants pay an average of $31 more per week.
"I regret using this phrase because people living in social housing are often in very difficult circumstances," Willis told reporters. "I reached for the wrong metaphor when trying to make a point about fairness."
The apology did little to quell criticism from opposition parties and housing advocates, who called the reforms "cruel" and warned they would push vulnerable New Zealanders deeper into poverty.
A Disconnect from Reality
Willis's original "lotto" comment betrayed a fundamental misunderstanding of what it means to qualify for social housing in New Zealand. To be eligible, households must demonstrate severe and persistent housing need—often fleeing domestic violence, homelessness, or inhabitable conditions.
"This isn't winning anything," said Kieran McAnulty, Labour's housing spokesperson. "This is a plan to remove support from struggling New Zealanders to save money. Reducing housing support does not foster independence—it creates desperation."
