The homeless in Auckland could be off the streets by next year if the right approach is taken.

Canadian social welfare expert Sam Tsemberis is in New Zealand for the IMPACT housing conference in Wellington.

He said if Auckland followed Canada's success story of placing people into housing before treating other issues no one would be homeless.

He believes treating the issues that underpin homelessness is the wrong way to go.

"After they're housed we find much greater success in providing those services effectively than we do trying to provide them while the person is homeless."

Tsemberis contends those living rough on the streets are more able to care for a house than most.

"In fact they're very existence leads to their resourcefulness and their capabilities. So someone like this, who was taking care of life with nothing, really does a very good job of taking care of an apartment."