Pensioner housing on radar

A Government minister has warned against losing sight of older New Zealanders as efforts get under way to boost the nation’s social housing stocks.

Minister for Seniors Tracey Martin has heard firsthand about the pressures on housing for needy pensioners in Nelson but the problem extends beyond that region.

In Taranaki alone, 218 units provided by the three district councils for those over 65 with limited financial means are constantly full, with people lining up to get in. In the New Plymouth district, those eligible have to wait up to three years for a house.

‘‘I was in Nelson for a positive ageing conference so knew something about the situation and providers there and I’ve yet to have the same discussions in Taranaki,’’ Martin said in an email. ‘‘What we know, however, is that there is an increasing shift of older New Zealanders to provincial and rural areas and the predictions are that there will be a greater proportion of seniors in these areas.

‘‘My key concern is that we don’t lose sight of older New Zealanders in our efforts to improve the housing situation.’’

Martin told media last week that the $1 billion a year Provincial Growth Fund could help fund more suitable housing for older people in the regions.

She said feedback on the positive ageing strategy, which is out for public consultation, would also help guide her thinking.

‘‘What we have to do is ensure that we keep the issue in mind across national and local government and that the private sector realises that with the growing numbers and variety of seniors there are other options apart from the classic retirement villages,’’ Martin said.

By 2036 there will be more than 1.2 million people in New Zealand who will be aged 65 or older, representing about a quarter of the entire population.

A paper written by Dr Kay Saville-Smith and Dr Bev James highlighted how New Zealand’s future older population will mostly live in rentals.

The 2006 census showed that 64 per cent of those aged 65-69 owned a home. Seven years later, that number had dropped to about 60 per cent.

While on the campaign trail last year, then housing spokesman Phil Twyford said a Labourled government would work with councils to build up the stock of pensioner units. Now Housing Minister, Twyford, through a spokeswoman, confirmed the Government remained committed to this goal.

New Plymouth social housing advocate Brian Eriksen believed local authorities had a ‘‘major role’’ to play in addressing the problem.

He said there was an opportunity for councils to add to the pensioner units they already had. An alternative could come from within communities, Eriksen said.

‘‘Three or four stakeholders could get together now and make a move. There could be properties for people to move into when the boom hits.’’