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The number of overcrowded households is on the rise according to Census data.
More than 100,000 households or about one in 16 are experiencing cramped conditions.
Gisborne has the highest rates at more than 10.5 percent, with Auckland in second place at just under 9 percent.
In Auckland, about 10 percent of households in Māngere-Ōtāhuhu were severely crowded.
An overcrowded house is when there is more than two people per room, not including couples and children of certain ages.
Number of overcrowded households on the rise - census
The Stats NZ calculation takes into account the space available, like number of bedrooms, age and the demographic composition of the household.
What's contributing to this? Stats NZ principal analyst Dr Rosemary Goodyear said it could be cost of living pressures, and availability and affordability of suitable housing.
"We know we've got increasing diversification, including people who enjoy living in an extended family situation," Goodyear said.
She said it was possible the severe weather events in Gisborne contributed to the increased overcrowding there.
"New Zealand has a climate that can be damp and wet and that makes living in a crowded house maybe more problematic than it might be in other parts of the world."
The data also showed there were more older people flatting.