Prime Minister John Key has backtracked over comments he made about a government department teaming up with the Salvation Army to assist the homeless, saying his words were based on advice he had been given at the time.

On Thursday, Key said the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) were working with the Salvation Army to help homeless people. This claim was later denied by the Salvation Army.

Labour leader Andrew Little has now taken a swipe at the Prime Minister, asking for an explanation.

Chris McKeen Prime Minister John Key got it wrong, according to the Salvation Army.

Little said that Key needs to explain why he would make misleading comments that also seemed to sweep homelessness under the carpet.

"Why you would lie, mislead, diminish this sort of rescue? It beggars belief," he said.

"It just looks like a Government that is so out of touch, they don't even want to know it (homelessness) exists.

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"I can't think of a time when the Prime Minister and another Minister has patently lied about something that's happened, that hasn't actually happened."

The Salvation Army earlier confronted the Government about giving incorrect statements on visiting homeless people.

Key had said on Thursday "MSD and the Sallies went around and knocked on eight cars that they could find.

"All eight of those people refused to take support either from Sallies or from MSD."

But the Salvation Army said they declined an offer to work together by the government agency, as some who were homeless had a "deep distrust" of government officials.

"In the past few days, the Government and a government agency have made statements saying MSD officials accompanied Salvation Army personnel to visit homeless people living in Bruce Pulman Park in South Auckland. These statements are incorrect."

"MSD officials did not accompany Salvation Army social personnel to Bruce Pulman Park last Monday night, as part of the Army's regular visits to the site.

The relationship between the Salvation Army and homeless people had been "put in jeopardy" as a result of the Prime Minister's comments, and also of images of the homeless in the media.

The Salvation Army also clarified it did not knock on people's car windows.

"It has a van from which food, water and toiletries are made available and where access to social services and advocacy can be arranged.



Director Salvation Army social policy and parliamentary unit director Ian Hutson said it was important the "miscommunication" between his organisation and MSD was corrected in the public eye.

A spokesperson said Key's comments were based on the advice he received at that time. She added: "The point he was making is that people have been approached and offered assistance and a large number of them have refused."

MSD addressed any queries on the incorrect statements to the Minister.

It was continuing to "offer a community presence" in Auckland so people without a place to stay could get their help.

MSD staff have been placed at Te Puea Marae, and supported mobile squads of NGO workers who were engaging with homeless.

Auckland Regional Commissioner Blair McKenzie said focusing on the help that was already available through Work and Income was the best way to get people the help their need, quickly.

"Local community organisations make up the mobile squads while we provide the support to make sure people are getting what they need – the help is there, and this is one way we can make sure those needing it are getting it."

To date, 15 people living in cars had been approached. Staff have also been stationed at the Auckland City Mission.