Social Development Minister Louise Upston is questioning the fairness and sustainability of the state helping 364,000 tenants and mortgage-holders at a cost of $2.34 billion in accommodation supplements.  

Otago University Professor and co-leader of the Kāinga Oranga Housing and Health Research Programme Nevil Pearse tells Mike Hosking rising housing costs encourage a need for the supplements. However, the supplement could not be defended in 100 percent of cases. 

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