Household crowding is linked to a number of health conditions, including rheumatic fever, meningococcal disease, respiratory infections including pneumonia and skin infections (eg, cellulitis), as well as elevated blood pressure and increased risk of childhood injuries.
This report was commissioned by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to inform cross-agency housing work in the context of crowding as a determinant of health.
The report provides a description of household crowding in New Zealand using Census 2013 data. Crowding as a proportion of total population decreased between 2006 and 2013, but numerically there has been an increase in the number of people living in crowded households.
Findings support the continued need for interventions that are aimed at reducing household crowding and encouraging healthier homes, especially for Māori and Pacific peoples and children.