Questions for Political Candidates

Take Action: Ask your local candidates or write to political parties asking what their party’s plan is to address housing issues for older people. Affordable, secure housing is an urgent issue that requires both immediate and long-term targeted solutions. 

1. We are hearing a lot about the unaffordability of NZ Super - but less about how tough it is for those people trying to live off it. Are you aware that a rapidly increasing number of older people are renters?  The private rental market is not providing enough affordable, healthy housing for this growing number – and is not on track to do so.
   
   
2. What is your party’s plan to address this issue?

According to the Office for Seniors, by 2050 nearly 400,000 people over 65 will not own their own home – almost three times the number of older renters today. The private rental market is not providing enough affordable, healthy housing for older people now, and is not on track to deal with this number as it grows. Changes to the Residential Tenancies Act this term have reduced security of tenure for renters, and the number of older people on the Housing Register continues to climb.