In order to address and analyse a complex issue such as housing quality, it is paramount to have a targeted and collective definition of what constitutes 'quality' and or 'adequate' housing (Statistics New Zealand, 2015). While Clark (2009) defined adequate housing as "protection from the cold, damp, heat, rain, wind, structural hazards, disease vectors, and other threats to health" (as cited in Statistics New Zealand, 2015), it is equally important to look at other aspects such as affordability, environmental impacts and size of tenant group occupying a dwelling (Boston & Chapple, 2014, p175). By measuring housing quality in New Zealand, we first assist all agencies involved in housing whether private or public, with the management and judgement of their properties needs. Also from a policy perspective, it enables us to develop better regulation and compliance monitoring of the quality and quantity of housing in New Zealand. .
Implications on People's Health and Wellbeing .
Both international and New Zealand studies demonstrate the overwhelming evidential link between substandard housing and the adverse effects on people's health and wellbeing (Boston & Chapple, 2014; Gillespie-Bennett et al., 2013; Howden-Chapman et al., 2013; Keall et al., 2012). It is apparent, therefore, that there are adverse consequences, from immediate health issues like respiratory problems, to environmental impacts and even increased injury. Poor quality housing has been linked to increased injury rates resulting in hospitalisation with an estimated one-third of global injuries occurring at home (Gillespie-Bennett et al., 2013). Houses that are cold, damp, and moldy have also explained increased respiratory symptoms in New Zealand, which is one of the leading health implications from poor housing quality (Gillespie-Bennett et al., 2013). Poor housing quality, therefore, imposes significant extra burdens on the public health system, asthma alone cost New Zealand is over $800 million per year (Gillespie-Bennett et al.