Decumulation in the retirement income context is the using up of retirement savings by way of drawing out regular income – for example, a fixed amount each month. It’s the converse of accumulating retirement savings while in paid work by regularly putting money aside. And return on investment plays its part in both: in the...

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...

Overview: This short report summarizes a lecture by Mr Iain Rennie, State Services Commissioner, State Services Commission presented at the IGPS on 20 June 2014. The role of the State Services Commissioner is to provide leadership and over-sight of the State services including: a) Promoting the spirit of service to the community; b) Promoting the...

This note suggests a framework for distinguishing appropriate, natural, human pursuit of interests from a pursuit of interests which is injurious to the general public interest and some ways in which such injurious pursuit of interests can be countered.