30.10.09 :: Terrence Aschoff, Manager CHRANZ

The Centre for Housing Research, Aotearoa New Zealand (CHRANZ) has today released research that investigates the patterns of housing futures likely to be evident among people 65 years and older between 2010 and 2050. It is directed to improving New Zealand’s ability to plan for and respond to the changing housing demands of older people over the next forty years.

Undertaken by the Centre for Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment (CRESA), Public Policy and Research and Motu Economic Public Policy and Research, this project was funded by CHRANZ.

How can we ensure that older people in New Zealand have housing that keeps them well, keeps them connected, and keeps them productive? Three evidence-based future scenarios for older people’s housing have been developed Business as Usual; Fragmented Innovations and Integrated Response to assist us to think about and respond positively to that challenge.

The Business As Usual scenario portrays a future in which New Zealand continues current levels of investment and innovation in the new housing and existing housing stocks. It is a future in which there is little improvement in neighbourhood design and settlement connection and in which the social and health supports for older people are largely de-coupled from housing support and policy.

The next scenario presents a future in which New Zealand’s response to an ageing population structure is characterised by Fragmented Innovations. This is a future in which there may be significant innovation effort but the benefits are less than optimal.

The Integrated Response scenario presents a future in which New Zealand has made a considerable shift in the approach to housing in an ageing society. The scenario sees a reprioritisation of housing for older people in the mix of older people’s services. It embeds the idea that good housing is the bedrock of older people’s lives and the pathway to avoid significant and costly dependency.

If New Zealand chose to pursue a housing future as portrayed in the Integrated Response scenario, purposeful action will be required, including:

(i) A multi-sectoral mobilisation of central and local government, the private, public and community sectors in housing, the building industry, and health and social services

(ii) Rationalisation of funding streams directed to housing related services to reduce confusion, compliance and transaction costs and to optimise the effective use of investment

(iii) Implementation of formal mechanisms to increase cross-sectoral integration around housing and services for older people

(iv) Implementation of a two-pronged strategy to improve the diversity, affordability, performance and functionality of both new stock and existing stock.

The authors have recommended a supporting research programme that will provide a robust, integrated, evidential base of knowledge for responding to the changing housing demands of older people.

A full copy of the research report is available online. A copy of the CHRANZ Research Bulletin is available online.

For further information please contact:

Kay Saville Smith
Research Director
CRESA
Phone: 04 473 3071
Cell: 027 4303 575

or

Terrence Aschoff
CHRANZ
terrence.aschoff@chranz.co.nz
Phone: 04 439 3326