Historically, New Zealand has had relatively high rates of home ownership, with widely held aspirations for mortgage-free tenure in later life. As a consequence, examination of the small but growing numbers of older renters has been limited. This article draws together local research, commissioned policy development work and comparative evidence to identify the characteristics of...

While child poverty remains a critical issue, ageing is a critical factor in the demographic changes are taking place in New Zealand. It is assumed in policy circles that belief that home ownership and New Zealand Superannuation (NZS) is a protective factor., but there is a trend towards declining home ownership and increases in poverty...

The overwhelming majority of New Zealand’s exports – not least agricultural and horticultural – require water, and in large quantities. Indeed, in many respects water is New Zealand’s largest export. Yet the management of our fresh water has not been ideal. We have over-allocated and badly polluted some of our water resources. Such problems point...

In 2050 the global population aged over 60 will reach two billion, making this age group three times larger than it was in 2000. This is a challenge that is facing both mature and emerging economies. The debate on the future shape of a long life is one that is critical to social development in...

New Zealanders don’t realise that they are regularly regarded in other countries as world leaders, not just in sport. Inaugural New Zealander of the year in 2010, Ray Avery, points to the ‘never say it can’t be done’ attitude that has produced many astonishing results in science. In social policy too we have often been...