The Waitangi Tribunal is hearing the Crown's failing to adequately support many whānau Māori to attain the basic human right of having a roof over their head. 

The Kaupapa Inquiry is looking at housing policy and services; examining how they've caused, exasperated and continued whānau Māori homelessness.

There are more than 30 claimants giving evidence on how agencies' policies and services have not supported or served Māori. 

The inquiry kicked off today at Te Puea Memorial Marae, which first opened its doors to homeless people in 2016. 

Marae chair and housing advocate, Hurimoana Dennis, was first to give evidence. He spoke to Māni Dunlop about why he brought the claim.