Life when renting for older Māori

Abstract

The proportion of older Māori (55+ years) living in rental accommodation is set to rise as home ownership has become less attainable. To anticipate what the future of rental accommodation may hold for older Māori, 42 older Māori (18 men, 24 women) renters in the Hawke’s Bay region of Aotearoa New Zealand were asked about their experiences. Participants had moved to their current home to be closer to whānau (extended family, family group) or out of necessity, and their whānau had often helped them make the decision to move. Many participants who found paying their rent manageable or hard also struggled with other living costs. Most enjoyed a good relationship with their landlord or agent and wanted to stay living where they were. The findings suggest that older Māori renters will require more easing of their living costs, including pathways out of renting and into home ownership.

He kāinga pai rawa: Te Kete Mātauranga mō te hanga whare tino pai rawa: a knowledge basket to support building affordable and safe housing for kaumātua

“…The flow-on effect of poor quality housing is profound for Māori and reflected in poor health and wellbeing. In light of the rates of Māori living in poor quality housing, kaumātua are most likely to be disadvantaged and more negatively impacted in their potential to age positively than their non-Māori counterparts (Baker et al, 2016; Cram & Munro, 2020; Pledger et al, 2019). Kaumātua are “carriers of culture, anchors for families, models for lifestyle, bridges to the future, guardians of heritage, and role models for younger generations” (Taskforce on Whānau-Centred Initiatives, 2010, p. 14).…”

What housing characteristics support seniors? Seniors’ experiences of housing and home in New Zealand during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…The paper notes the diversity of New Zealand's seniors, acknowledging the growing population of older M aori, New Zealand's Indigenous people, and their unique perspectives on housing design and the meaning of home (Cram and Munro, 2020). The housing experiences and conditions affecting the ability of older M aori to age in place are recognised, including lower homeownership rates, lower personal incomes and higher likelihood of longterm health conditions and disability (James et al, 2020).…”

Codesigning a Culture-Centered Age-Friendly Community for Māori Kaumātua: Cultural Principles and Practices

“…Economic, physical, and social elements comprise a large context of housing and life spaces and consequences for kaumātua . Economic factors shape where kaumātua live ( Cram & Munro, 2020 ; Goodyear, 2017 ); for example, the current housing crisis of rising rents and housing costs result from limited housing supply and increased demand ( Lees, 2019 ). Also, Māori homeownership has fallen, with less than half owning their home compared with two thirds of the general population ( Goodyear, 2017 ).…”

“…Low homeownership affects kaumātua particularly badly because the universal (retirement) remuneration was established at a time of greater homeownership across all ethnic groups. Furthermore, Aotearoa has limited protection in rental jurisdiction (e.g., short leases, short eviction notices; Cram & Munro, 2020 ). These economic factors result in rising rates of Māori living in poor, temporary, or overcrowded housing ( Cram & Munro, 2020 ; Goodyear, 2017 ; James et al, 2022 ) and overrepresentation of Māori in social and temporary housing ( Baker et al, 2016 ).…”

“…Furthermore, Aotearoa has limited protection in rental jurisdiction (e.g., short leases, short eviction notices; Cram & Munro, 2020 ). These economic factors result in rising rates of Māori living in poor, temporary, or overcrowded housing ( Cram & Munro, 2020 ; Goodyear, 2017 ; James et al, 2022 ) and overrepresentation of Māori in social and temporary housing ( Baker et al, 2016 ). The flow-on effect of poor housing is profound poor health and well-being for Māori ( Baker et al, 2016 ; Pledger et al, 2019 ).…”