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December 2009: Financial Investors "Information Needs"
A report by Colmar Brunton commissioned by the Retirement Commission

Provision of consumer information about financial products (often called ‘disclosure’) is a cornerstone of consumer protection legislation. The aim of disclosure is to make specifications of products clear to the consumer so they can compare products and make informed decisions prior to purchase.  Is it read? Understood? Too complex? Are there better ways of giving customers the information they need?

The Retirement Commission, in association with the Ministry of Economic Development, commissioned Colmar Brunton to undertake research into “Financial Investors’ Information Needs”. This report summarises the findings from this project.

December 2009: Escaping the debt trap

Experiences of New Zealand families accessing budgeting services a report by the Families Commission

Escaping the Debt Trap – Experiences of New Zealand families accessing budgeting services demonstrates that budgeting services make a real difference, and empower families with the confidence and skills they need to overcome problem debt.

November 2009: Expenditure in Retirement

An insight into the spending patterns of retired people in New Zealand by Judith Davey

The aim of this study is to help younger people see what they may need to save to support themselves in retirement. The study used data from the Household Expenditure Survey (HES) to develop “model” budgets for single and partnered retirees. A range of focus groups was held with retired people to discuss their spending patterns. From this material, case studies were constructed to illustrate the spending patterns of retired people on varying levels of income, partnered and single, home owners and tenants.

Dr Davey discussed the findings of her work at a presentation in Wellington, chaired by the Retirement Commissioner, on 27 November 2009.

September 2009/December 2009 : Beyond Reasonable Debt

Part two: The extent to which financial behaviour can explain over-indebtedness amongst New Zealand families

 

The Retirement Commission and Families Commission have completed further joint research on the indebtedness of New Zealand families.
 
This latest report has found that financial behaviour – notably not saving and living from pay-to-pay ‘most’ or ‘all’ of the time – can increase the likelihood of a family experiencing over-indebtedness by more than 20 percent, holding family and financial circumstances constant.
 
This is a significant finding and potentially changes the way we think about saving and other financial policies to improve economic wellbeing. Traditionally, income, wealth and life stage have underpinned these policies. This research shows that these factors are still important, but do not allow us to properly identify families in financial difficulty or with problem debt.

 

Part one: A background report on the indebtedness of New Zealand families

The Retirement Commission and Families Commission are currently carrying out joint research on the indebtedness of New Zealand individuals and families. We have recently completed a background report which identifies some of the key characteristics and trends around indebtedness .

Attachment
[file] Enhancing Wellbeing in an Ageing Society summary document

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