An investigation's underway after Auckland Council staff classified an elderly homeless woman, who was later found dead in her car, as a freedom camper, and had not done more to help her.
Yesterday City Mission staff went to check on the woman, in her 70s, and found her dead in the red Suzuki Swift.
The car was parked on St Vincent Avenue in the affluent suburb of Remuera.
It has been revealed a resident had contacted the council in May about the situation, and followed up several times.
But the council says it closed the incident off as freedom camping, rather than a situation that required escalation.
Neighbours say the hatchback had been parked in the same spot for about eight weeks, with sheets used to cover the windows from inside.
One resident says he had no idea a woman was living in the car, a situation he says was hidden in plain sight.
He has since learnt one of his neighbours had repeatedly sought help for her, and offered her food.
The man says yesterday morning people were peering into the car as emergency services turned up.
Auckland Council says on occasion it does check on people sleeping in cars but is not equipped to deal with their welfare and mental health needs.
Instead it refers them to other agencies, but it is now reviewing its processes.
Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson talks to Lisa Owen.
