Hīkoi planned amid fears Rotorua rough sleepers in for a tough winter

The organiser of a hīkoi for the homeless says she and others fear a life will be lost on Rotorua streets this winter.

Renee Kiriona is spearheading Monday's hīkoi to raise local awareness around the urgent need of a shelter for the city.

She said Rotorua was one of the only cities in New Zealand that did not have a shelter and last winter volunteers working with rough sleepers were taking, on average, a person a day to accident and emergency for pneumonia or respiratory illnesses.

"Unless there is something put in place immediately, we are scared someone will die this winter."

Kiriona said government funding for homeless announced in the 2018 Budget would not provide any relief for homeless until after winter at the earliest.

"We have up to 200 people who signalled their willingness to take part in the hīkoi including a number of rough sleepers who are anxious and excited. We also encourage anyone who cares about the homeless to join us on this passive, peaceful march."

The hīkoi starts at 10am on Monday at the drop in centre on Pukuatua St. From there it will go to the Work and Income office, offices of local MPs and end outside Rotorua Lakes Council.