Official figures show there are more than 4600 people on the social housing register, up nearly 19 percent on the previous quarter.
The number of people seeking social housing at the end of September was 4602.
Another 1168 people and their families are already in social housing and on the register seeking a transfer to another house.
Social Housing Minister Paula Bennett said in the past year, more than 6000 households have been placed off the register.