A report on the health and social needs of Chatham Islanders has found many live in poor quality housing.
Associate Health Minister Tariana Turia released the report by social research company Litmus during a visit to the Chathams this week.
Ms Turia said there are not enough houses and it is difficult for people to get bank loans to build on the island, while most of the existing housing is cold, damp and poorly insulated.
The clinical nurse manager of Chatham Islands Health Centre, Marlene Cronin, said because of the cost of power some people cannot afford to keep their homes warm and dry.
Mrs Turia has assured residents locals that the Government will endeavour to set up a cross-party approach to address the problems.
