Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett is being challenged to confirm that some homeless families may be eligible for extended state-supported motel accommodation.
The challenge has been issued by Hastings-based Opposition Ikaroa Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri after a meeting in Hastings on Thursday at which the minister said extended funding could be available if requested.
Whaitiri said previous indications had been that the Ministry of Social Development would provide support only up to seven days.
She said Thursday's message was "in stark contrast to what people out there are being told".
People in motels temporarily were having to get out to accommodate bookings, and she knew families who were leaving motels after seven days because they had been told MSD would no longer cover the costs, she said.