National promises more affordable homes for older people
New Zealand's National Party has pledged to reserve 20 percent of affordable housing fund units for seniors aged 65 and older. The plan also includes easing regulations for granny flats and tiny homes to encourage inter-generational living.
Why it matters
This policy addresses the growing housing affordability crisis for an aging population, a key demographic in upcoming elections.
National is making a pitch to older voters, promising to reserve them at least one of every five homes supported by a government's affordable housing fund.
Leader Christopher Luxon made the announcement at Pacific Lakes Retirement Village in Tauranga on Thursday, noting that people aged 65 or older made up 15 percent of those waiting for social housing.
"Not every senior can - or wants to - move to a retirement village," he said.
"New Zealand needs many more low cost, affordable pensioner housing units."
Under its plan, National would earmark at least 20 percent of Housing Flexible Fund places for seniors, including social housing and affordable rentals such as those provided by Abbeyfield.
The fund allows housing organisations to build and provide homes with discounted rents. It was set up in 2025 with about $40m in operational funding over four years and $250m in capital funding over a decade.
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