ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Costs of living getting tougher for retirees

Author
Alex Braae,
Publish Date
Tue, 13 Feb 2018, 6:04AM
A stock-take of New Zealand housing has exposed issues for elderly people. (Photo / Getty)
A stock-take of New Zealand housing has exposed issues for elderly people. (Photo / Getty)

Costs of living getting tougher for retirees

Author
Alex Braae,
Publish Date
Tue, 13 Feb 2018, 6:04AM

New Zealand's housing stock isn't set up to cope with our ageing population.

The Government released it's housing stock-take report yesterday, which shows another 2,000 people a year are claiming both an accommodation supplement and superannuation.

Retirement Commissioner Diane Maxwell says costs are rising for the very type of housing that older people need.

"You want to be near the bus stops, you want to be near the shops, and you don't want to be maintaining an older property. Clearly you need things like good insulation, and people aren't so fussed about things such as a huge lawn."

Maxwell says New Zealand has an ageing population, and the costs of living are getting tougher for retirees to meet.

"As that increases, your going to see more and more of a pressure point on the Government purse as Government continues to pay super and accommodation and other things on top."

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you