As political parties vie for a spot in the next government, homeless people are urging them to make affordable housing a top priority.
Yesterday marked World Homeless Day and around 100 people gathered in Auckland's Aotea Square to provide support to those in need.
A recent Auckland Council study estimated there were 23,409 homeless people living in Auckland - an increase of more than 3000 over four years.
Peter Hooton was also at the event and said there needed to be more affordable housing options available.
He was released from a three-month stint in prison earlier this year but said there was no accommodation available and no way he could afford to pay Auckland rents.
"You've basically got to take what's on offer, and what's on offer is homelessness."
