| Source: University of Auckland (UoA)
Available for republication – Prison conditions and the treatment of prisoners in Aotearoa New Zealand have attracted scrutiny from international watchdogs, including a United Nations’ torture prevention body.Researchers say one challenge is the absence of a comprehensive prison law resource – a gap they hope to help address. University of Auckland senior law lecturer Dr Fleur Te Aho (Ngāti Mutunga), barrister and University of Auckland alum Dr Eesvan Krishnan, and University of Canterbury Associate Professor James Mehigan have secured $153,000 from the Michael and Suzanne Borrin Foundation to write the first book on prison law in Aotearoa New Zealand. “The conditions in our prisons and the treatment of prisoners – who are disproportionately Māori and Pacific – continue to be criticised by United Nations bodies, the Ombudsman, members of parliament, NGOs and others,” says Te Aho (Auckland Law School). “A key challenge is access to justice. Many prisoners are self-represented, and their claims don’t often succeed. There are very few lawyers regularly working in this field.” The researchers say there are efforts by the profession and NGOs to build capacity and to try to make more effective use of litigation and other legal tools to promote respect for tikanga Māori and human rights in New Zealand prisons, uphold the rule of law, and encourage systemic change. “Our project aims to assist, and we hope, help catalyse such efforts,” says Mehigan. “The book will be the first detailed account and analysis of prison law – tikanga and state law – in this country.” The landmark publication will be freely available and will bring together domestic legislation and case law, te Tiriti and Treaty jurisprudence, comparative case law, international materials and tikanga (the system of law underpinning traditional and contemporary Māori life) relating to prison law. Krishnan says it will support efforts to uphold prisoners’ rights by helping more lawyers spot legal issues, accurately advise prisoners on whether they have a legal claim, and represent them when they do. “We hope this project will also aid in identifying opportunities for strategic litigation to vindicate prisoners’ rights.” In 2024, New Zealand’s Ombudsman at the time found the treatment and conditions of prisoners in the Prisoners of Extreme Risk Unit at Auckland Prison were ‘cruel, inhuman, and degrading’ and raised serious concerns the regime breached domestic and international law. He said prisoners were subjected to ‘prolonged and potentially indefinite solitary confinement’ as well as ‘oppressive’ living conditions including limited access to natural light and fresh air. The United Nations’ Committee against Torture has also raised concerns about the prison system citing overcrowding, poor conditions, inadequate healthcare, and practices disproportionately affecting Māori and Pasifika prisoners, including prolonged and indefinite solitary confinement. Meanwhile, following a 2025 UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture visit, the torture prevention body’s delegation head said ten-year prison population forecasts in New Zealand painted a concerning picture: ‘At present, forward planning appears to focus primarily on building new prison facilities rather than expanding the use of alternatives to detention.’ “As the celebrated Māori lawyer and scholar Moana Jackson observed, there’s a fundamental antithesis between tikanga and the existence of prisons,” says Te Aho. “Pre-colonial Aotearoa did not have prisons. While conscious of this, we want to explore if tikanga might help efforts to secure prisoners’ rights.” She says a key barrier to deploying tikanga-based arguments in prison law cases is that there’s little guidance specifically identifying and exploring the implications of tikanga relating to prisons. In light of this, the project will include a wānanga, hosted jointly with Te Puna Rangahau o te Wai Ariki, the Aotearoa New Zealand Centre for Indigenous Peoples and the Law, which will bring together mātanga tikanga, academics, practitioners and others to discuss tikanga relevant to the treatment of prisoners, prison conditions and other prison law issues. A report from the wānanga will help inform the book. Te Aho says the country’s current lack of a comprehensive resource is a barrier to improving access to justice. “My hope for the book is that it will help improve the lives of prisoners, particularly the lived experience of Māori in prison.” |
Economy – Interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the ten months ended 30 April 2026 – NZ Treasury
New Zealand Treasury
The interim Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand for the ten months ended 30 April 2026 were released by the Treasury today. The April results are reported against forecasts based on theBudget Economic and Fiscal Update (BEFU 2026), published on 28 May 2026, and the results for the same period for the previous year.
Overall, the key fiscal indicators for the ten months ended 30 April 2026 were stronger than forecast. The operating balance before gains and losses excluding ACC (OBEGALx) showed a deficit of $6.0 billion, which was $3.2 billion smaller than forecast. Net core Crown debt was $1.6 billion lower than forecast, at $190.3 billion or 42.8% of GDP.
Core Crown tax revenue at $103.9 billion, was $1.8 billion (1.8%) higher than forecast. The variance predominantly reflects higher-than-forecast corporate and other individuals’ tax revenue owing to stronger-than-forecast provisional tax revenue. In addition, GST and source deductions revenue were also slightly stronger than forecast.
Core Crown expenses, at $119.7 billion, were broadly in line with forecast. The small variance of $0.2 billion (0.2%) was spread across a range of functional classifications, including core government services, economic and industrial services, law and order and primary services.
The OBEGALx deficit was $6.0 billion, $3.2 billion smaller than forecast reflecting core Crown results noted above and the favourable results of State‑Owned Enterprises. When including the revenue and expenses of ACC, the OBEGAL deficit was $3.5 billion smaller than the forecast deficit at $8.8 billion.
The operating balance was a deficit of $0.3 billion, compared to a forecast deficit of $2.4 billion. This mainly reflects the favourable OBEGAL variance mentioned above, partially offset by weaker-than-forecast net gains on financial instruments of $8.2 billion, which came in $1.7 billion lower than the forecast.
The core Crown residual cash deficit of $7.5 billion was $0.7 billion smaller than forecast. Net core Crown operating cash outflows and capital cash outflows were $0.4 billion and $0.3 billion lower than forecast, respectively.
Net core Crown debt at $190.3 billion (42.8% of GDP) was $1.6 billion lower than forecast. This variance was partly driven by the smaller‑than‑forecast core Crown residual cash deficit mentioned above. In addition, issued currency was $0.7 billion higher than forecast.
Gross debt at $228.4 billion (51.3% of GDP) was higher than forecast by $3.0 billion (1.3%). This primarily reflected higher-than-forecast issuances of Euro Commercial Paper driven by short-term cash requirements, along with higher-than-forecast cross-currency derivatives in loss at 30 April 2026.
Net worth attributable to the Crown at $179.9 billion (40.4% of GDP) was $2.7 billion higher than forecast. This reflected the stronger-than-forecast operating balance result along with higher-than-expected property, plant and equipment valuation movements.
- Using the most recently published GDP (for the year ended 31 December 2025) of $444,821 million (Source: Stats NZ).
- Favourable variances against forecast have a positive sign and unfavourable variances against forecast have a negative sign.
- Using BEFU 2026 forecast GDP for the year ending 30 June 2026 of $452,159 million (Source: The Treasury).
- Net core Crown debt excludes the NZS Fund and core Crown advances. Net core Crown debt may fluctuate during the year largely reflecting the timing of tax receipts.
Legislation – Removing Te Tiriti principles will do lasting damage to public services – PSA
Source: PSA
Removing references to Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles in 19 laws will widen existing inequities for Māori and reduce Māori and Te Tiriti capability in the public service, a survey of PSA members says.
Māori PSA members who deliver public and community services were asked about the impact on those services if references to Te Tiriti principles in legislation are removed.
The survey is part of the PSA’s evidence to an urgent Waitangi Tribunal hearing into the Government’s plans to amend references to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in 19 pieces of legislation.
“The responses from our Māori members show that the proposed weakening and removal of Te Tiriti principles in law would cause significant damage to Māori capability in the public service and state sector,” said Jack McDonald, Kaihautū Māori of the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The changes would undermine the ability of the Crown to engage with and deliver services Māori, and to address longstanding inequities and barriers to Māori social and economic progress.
“It is highly likely that the changes would result in a further loss of Māori and Treaty specific roles and teams. There are also fears from our Māori members of increased workloads, reduced cultural safety, less chance of career progression, and a reduction in authority of Māori knowledge and advice.
“Despite the Government’s assurance that Treaty settlements are being protected, PSA members have warned that the reforms “could complicate Treaty settlement implementation” due to the fact that “Treaty provisions in statutes and obligations under Treaty settlements are mutually supporting provisions.”
“The PSA has not been consulted by the Crown, nor did we have any opportunity to participate in the Government’s review. The failure to meaningfully engage with kaimahi Māori is unacceptable and we contend that it is a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
“The sweeping reforms would constitute one of the most extreme attempts to undermine the role of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in New Zealand law. Our members are clear that they must not proceed,” said McDonald.
About the survey
The short online survey was distributed delegates elected to represent Māori PSA members.
It asked the members whether the agency they work for has references to Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the legislation it works under and if this reference was removed or changed to reduce their agency's Te Tiriti obligations, what impact this would have on the work of their agency and its ability to achieve its wider obligations and functions and also on Māori staff.
Because of the timeframes necessary for filing for the urgent hearing, members had 48 hours to respond. There were 104 responses.
The PSA represents workers across the public service, state sector, public health care, local government and community and public service organisations.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
Environment – EPA processing of hazardous substances on the up
Source: Environmental Protection Authority
The number of hazardous substances decisions by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) continued to increase in the third quarter of the 2025-26 year, and the number of applications in the queue continued to decline.
“Improving processes and efficiencies is at the forefront of everything we do. We are confident that our process improvements are taking us in the right direction,” says Dr Fernando Torres-Vélez, General Manager Hazardous Substances and New Organisms.
A total of 55 hazardous substances applications were decided in the first three quarters of the 2025-26 year.
There are now 74 hazardous substances applications awaiting assessment, down from 96 applications on 30 June 2025, a 23 percent reduction. This is the lowest it’s been since 2022.
“For five consecutive quarters since January 2025, we have decided more applications than were lodged.
“We continue to increase access to innovative products with new active ingredients. In this quarter we approved an agricultural herbicide and a decision will be made on another complex application in the coming weeks.
“We are making steady progress towards our ambitious target of introducing nine active chemicals new to New Zealand this financial year,” says Dr Torres-Vélez.
In this quarter, the upward trend for rapid assessments has continued, with 13 applications decided. A total of 46 applications have been decided via rapid assessment pathways in the first nine months of the year.
“Six applications were decided using the international regulator pathway and we consider if this pathway can be used for every application.
“We undertake assessments proportionate to risks posed, and we will continue to use rapid assessments where appropriate.
“Planning is underway for longer-term regulatory improvements that will streamline processes. We see opportunities for future innovation, including introducing new technology, to drive further efficiency,” says Dr Torres-Vélez.
Read the Hazardous substance applications quarterly report here: https://www.epa.govt.nz/assets/RecordsAPI/Hazardous-Substances-Quarterly-Report-1-January-to-31-March-2026.pdf
Housing Market – Housing values tread water as buyer caution dominates – Cotality
Source: Cotality
New Zealand property values stalled in May, as a cautious stance from both buyers and sellers kept the housing market in neutral.
Cotality NZ’s latest Home Value Index (HVI) shows the national median value in May of $808,187 was flat compared to the previous month and -0.1% lower than three months ago. Values were also -0.6% down from a year ago and still -17.0% below the peak in early 2022 of $974,002.
Across the main centres, Ōtautahi Christchurch rose by 0.4% in May, while Ōtepoti Dunedin and Tauranga both edged up by 0.2%. Kirikiriroa Hamilton saw a minor 0.1% rise, but Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland (-0.2%) and Te-Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington (-0.3%) both fell again.
Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist, Kelvin Davidson said that May’s flat result was a continuation of the sluggish property market trends seen so far in 2026, with no clear directional change in sight.
“Property values are generally stuck in neutral at the national level, with buyers in no major rush, but sellers not having to capitulate either.”
“There are differing patterns beneath the surface. Key areas, including Auckland and Wellington are still subdued, while even ‘strong’ markets such as Christchurch or Invercargill aren’t racing away.”
“Interest rates have already lifted in recent months and there’s likely to be more to come the longer the Iran conflict continues.”
“At the same time, consumer and business confidence has been hit hard, and there are other signs of economic weakness coming through, such as falls in retail spending.”
“It all adds up to significant headwinds for sales activity and property values in the coming months.”
“The marked improvement in housing affordability in the past 4-5 years will tend to limit any further downside for the market. Nevertheless, renewed, modest declines in property values in the coming months would not be a surprise.”
Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
The small drop in values in May for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland as a whole reflected pretty consistent falls in each sub-market, other than Rodney (+0.2%) and Franklin (0.0%). Elsewhere, there were consistent drops of either -0.2% or -0.3%.
The gaps aren’t huge, but Auckland City has still underperformed over slightly longer horizons of three months (-0.8%) and twelve months (-4.1%), although the drops from the peak have been ever so slightly larger in Manukau (-24.5%) and Waitakere (-24.9%).
Mr Davidson said, “May brought more of the same for property values in Auckland – a general drift downwards, with market sentiment seemingly remaining very subdued.”
“It’s true that housing affordability has improved significantly and this will tend to dampen the speed or size of any further drops in values.”
“But the supply pipeline of new townhouses across the super-city remains appreciable and this means purchasers are still in the box-seat, whether they’re first home buyers, or even investors looking to expand their portfolio.”
Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington
It was a mixed bag across the Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington area in May, with Kāpiti Coast rising by 0.7%, Te Awa Kairangi ki Uta Upper Hutt seeing a 0.3% gain, and 0.2% in Porirua. Yet Te Awa Kairangi ki Tai Lower Hutt dipped by a minor -0.1%, with Wellington City itself showing a more significant -0.6% monthly decline.
That being said, only Wellington City has (just) avoided a drop over the past 12 months, while all sub-markets in this area are still showing falls of more than 21% from peak. Lower Hutt at -27.3% has seen the largest fall of any territorial authority in the country.
Mr Davidson noted, “an increase in physical property supply in some parts of the wider Wellington area will have played a role in the weakness of values in recent years. But it seems that the far bigger factors will have been the previous boom and sharp reduction in affordability, which created the scope for subsequent large falls in property values, and then just the underlying weakness of the area’s economy – as the public sector now faces even more cuts.”
“Of course, there’s always two sides to the housing market and first home buyers who are confident of their own financial resilience are taking full advantage.”
Regional results
By contrast with some of the larger centres, many provincial markets saw flat or slightly higher results for values in May. Granted, Heretaunga Hastings edged down by -0.4% and Whangārei saw a minor -0.1% dip.
But there were gains of 0.2% or slightly more in Tāhuna Queenstown, Tairāwhiti Gisborne, and Waihōpai Invercargill, while Rotorua (0.6%) and Whanganui (0.8%) recorded stronger increases.
Over a 12-month horizon, the growth in values has been at least 4% in Tairāwhiti Gisborne, Tāhuna Queenstown, and Waihōpai Invercargill, although negative in some other areas, including Whakatū Nelson, Ahuriri Napier, and Heretaunga Hastings.
“It’s not easy to put a blanket over all of these areas and say that one or two factors explain everything – after all, primary industries are generally faring well, yet parts of Hawke’s Bay are still showing sluggish property values.”
“But the strength of the farming sector no doubt helps to explain continued growth in property values in many parts of Southland, while Queenstown is probably still riding the tourism rebound and the continued wider appeal of the area to wealthy buyers.”
Property market outlook
Looking ahead, Mr Davidson noted that there’s still a tricky balancing act for the Reserve Bank to pull off, which will have effects on the property market.
“The longer the OCR stays on hold the greater the chances inflation is harder to rein back in again – which will tend to put more upwards pressure on mortgage rates.”
“But the quicker they move, the higher are the chances of a marked weakening in the economy, with associated knocks to household confidence, the labour market, and also property sales and house prices.”
“Clearly, the housing market is not a direct consideration for monetary policy anyway. But in these uncertain times, it may still be caught in the cross-fire – with an OCR rise now looking likely in July – especially as more existing borrowers start to roll off older mortgage terms and onto higher rates.”
“Of course, what’s potentially disappointing for some is great news for others, and first home buyers confident about their income and financial resilience should continue to find good opportunities in a market where listings remain elevated.”
“To some extent that applies to investors as well. But this group has other concerns, such as the looming election and scope for capital gains tax if we see a change of government, as well as interest deductibility potentially being phased out again too.”
“All in all, housing market conditions remain challenging. Having previously anticipated sales volumes rising from around 90,000 in 2025 to 100,000 this year, the market may actually do well to hold at similar levels to last year. This points to a sluggish outlook for values too,” Mr Davidson concluded.
Notes:
The Cotality Hedonic Home Value Index (HVI) is calculated using a hedonic regression methodology that addresses the issue of compositional bias associated with median price and other measures. In simple terms, the index is calculated using recent sales data combined with information about the attributes of individual properties such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, land area and geographical context of the dwelling. By separating each property into its various formational and locational attributes, observed sales values for each property can be distinguished between those attributed to the property’s attributes and those resulting from changes in the underlying residential property market. Additionally, by understanding the value associated with each attribute of a given property, this methodology can be used to estimate the value of dwellings with known characteristics for which there is no recent sales price by observing the characteristics and sales prices of other dwellings which have recently transacted. It then follows that changes in the market value of the entire residential property stock can be accurately tracked through time.
The detailed ‘frequently asked questions’ and methodological information can be found at: https://www.cotality.com/nz/our-data/indices
Lifestyle – The Remarkables to become New Zealand’s largest ski area with Doolans expansion
Source: NZSki
Queenstown ski resort The Remarkables will become New Zealand’s largest, with a proposed $150 million-plus expansion into the Doolans Basin.
The highly-anticipated project, which has been years in the making, will see the ski resort increase significantly in size to 711 hectares from its current 449 hectares, and will feature NZ’s longest gondola (2.7km long).
The Remarkables owner NZSki has lodged an application for the expansion, under the Fast-track approval process.
The capacity of the ski area will nearly double from 290,000 to 500,000 visitors within the first five years. And, according to an independent economic report, the Queenstown Lakes economy is expected to receive an annual boost of up to $168 million and 1851 jobs will be created lo
cally thanks to the project.
NZSki chief executive Paul Anderson said the application is a significant milestone for Queenstown and The Remarkables after decades of planning, refinement and community consideration.
“Expanding into the Doolans Basin allows us to create more room to ski, ride and explore in a world-class, multi-valley ski resort that supports the long-term resilience of skiing in Queenstown,” he says. “It means more terrain, fewer lift queues and a better experience for everyone.
“This project caters both for our growing local community as well as the increasing number of ski tourists; it’s about meeting the demand in a responsible way while protecting the future of skiing on our maunga.”
The Remarkables expansion project includes an additional 262ha of skiable terrain, into a valley adjacent to Rastus Burn. Visitor capacity will increase from 3500 to 6000 skiers per day.
A new 10-seat, 2.7-kilometre gondola – the longest in New Zealand – will connect the Doolans Basin with the Rastus Burn, docking into the current base building. The Doolans Basin will include a full mix of terrain and a dedicated learner space designed to spread people across the mountain. A new hospitality building and facilities will also be constructed in the Doolans Basin.
“The Doolans Basin is higher and south-east-facing, offering more reliable snow,” Anderson adds. “Expanding into this terrain is intended to strengthen the resilience of winter operations as climate and weather patterns change.”
An independent economic assessment of the project indicates that total spend from visitors to The Remarkables will increase from $235 million per year currently, to between $347-$402 million per year within 10 years from completion. Total GDP contribution would increase from $115 million to between $170-$197 million annually.
“Construction is expected to take place over four summer seasons, with the start date dependent on the approval process,” Anderson says. “The project will be managed carefully so we can continue with normal winter operations at The Remarkables.”
The Remarkables Expansion Project has been designed to minimise environmental impact, with construction areas consolidated, sensitive ecological habitats protected and water management plans developed with expert advisers. The proposal also includes infrastructure upgrades to support increased use, such as improvements at the State Highway 6 intersection and enhanced bus and shuttle facilities.
“We know The Remarkables is an important part of life here in Queenstown,” Anderson says. “As we take this next step, we’ll continue working closely with our community to create a better Remarkables experience to enjoy for generations to come.”
The Remarkables is scheduled to open for full mountain operations on June 13.
About NZSki
NZSki is New Zealand’s premier ski company and the owner and operator of Coronet Peak and The Remarkables in Queenstown, and Mt Hutt in Canterbury. Together, the three mountains offer world‑class alpine experiences and play a vital role in regional tourism and local economies. Known for exceptional natural snow conditions, premium terrain and world-class facilities, NZSki regularly invests in lift infrastructure, snowmaking technology and trail development. All three ski areas are part of the global IKON Pass network.
RBNZ announces decision on use of the word ‘bank’
Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) – Te Pūtea Matua
All New Zealand deposit takers licensed under the DTA will be able to call themselves banks
4 June 2026 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) – Te Pūtea Matua has announced that all deposit takers will be able to call themselves banks if they become licensed under the Deposit Takers Act 2023 (DTA). The decision follows RBNZ's 2025 public consultation on use of the word 'bank' under the DTA.
Use of the words 'bank', 'banker' and 'banking' is restricted under the Banking (Prudential Supervision) Act 1989 (BPSA), to help the public identify which entities are subject to prudential regulation. When the DTA comes into full effect on 1 December 2028, all licensed deposit takers, including entities currently licensed as non-bank deposit takers (NBDTs), will be able to use these restricted words. Overseas banks that do not have a physical presence in New Zealand can continue to use restricted words, as is authorised under the DTA.
“We are satisfied that the DTA provides the necessary safeguards to extend the use of restricted words to all licensed deposit takers. This change supports improvements in the competitive landscape and a consistent approach across deposit takers, which was largely supported in consultation feedback,” says Acting Assistant Governor Financial Stability, Angus McGregor.
As well as introducing the Depositor Compensation Scheme, the DTA provides for new supervision powers and a framework for managing and resolving a deposit taker in financial distress. The DTA also gives RBNZ greater power to monitor deposit taker stability and step in if a deposit taker's financial situation or business practices are putting depositors' money, and New Zealand's financial system, at risk.
“The DTA provides for closer regulation of all deposit takers and gives us new powers to make sure entities able to call themselves banks are doing the right things to keep depositors' money safe,” Mr McGregor says.
Changes in the use of restricted words under the DTA
Currently registered banks (including registered branches of overseas banks) are permitted to use restricted words but licensed NBDTs cannot. Under the DTA, licensed deposit takers that were formerly licensed as NBDTs would have the option to rebrand as banks.
Currently overseas banks that do not have a place of business in New Zealand can use restricted words for certain wholesale activities. This will continue under the DTA, provided the overseas bank does not have a physical presence in New Zealand, only undertakes limited wholesale activities, and meets all other authorisation conditions.
Currently financial service providers that fall outside of RBNZ's prudential regulatory perimeter cannot use restricted words. This will continue under the DTA.
More information
Deposit Takers Act information on the RBNZ website
2025 consultation materials and submissions on the Citizen Space website
Multi-unit homes lead rise in home consents in April 2026 – Building consents issued: April 2026 – Stats NZ news story and information release
Visitor spending in New Zealand boosts services exports – International trade: March 2026 quarter – Stats NZ news story and information release
Real Estate – Multigenerational luxury living on the rise – Sotherby’s
Source: New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty
Demand to cohabitate with extended family is on the rise in New Zealand, even at the top end of the property market.
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty (NZSIR) managing director Mark Harris says more wealthy buyers, family offices and Active Investor Plus visa holders are looking for properties that can accommodate multiple generations. This echoes the sentiment from a recent Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ) report, which confirms that demand for multigenerational living in NZ is increasing.
“There has been a notable pick up in digital and physical enquiry from purchasers at the high end of the market who are looking at properties from an intergenerational perspective,” Harris says. “Quite often, this comes in the form of the senior family unit principals searching for options that are built and ready to be used, or land that’s big enough to build a multi-unit residency.
“Baby boomers are looking to purchase properties that have the ability to accommodate their mature-age children and grandchildren, mainly for lifestyle purposes and next-generational investment succession. AIP buyers are also interested in the ‘safe haven’ aspects of NZ property – some of them are looking at holiday homes, but with a long-term, full-time residency perspective.”
Whilst traditionally, intergenerational living has been driven by cultural or religious values, or sharing living costs, it’s now becoming a lifestyle choice, particularly for buyers at the luxury end of the market.
“Properties with self-contained wings or apartments, or upstairs-downstairs separation are in demand; properties with space, privacy, seclusion, a high level of build quality and access to airports,” Harris says. “Premium wellness amenities are also high on the wish-list, such as inbuilt gyms, pools, saunas and other lifestyle attributes. Some buyers require the ability to build safe houses or bunkers.”
The Urban Advisory managing director Dr Natalie Allen – a lead researcher for the BRANZ Multigenerational Housing report – agrees that multigenerational housing demand is increasing in NZ.
“The New Zealand Housing Survey data shows that there is a broad appetite for multigenerational housing, with around one in 10 households saying they would prefer to live multigenerationally in their next home,” she says. “Our BRANZ‑funded research shows the challenge isn’t demand, but a system that hasn’t yet enabled the market to respond.”
Harris says Northland, Auckland, Waiheke Island and the Southern Lakes are the most in-demand locations for multigenerational luxury living, with interest also in the Nelson-Tasman region. A few of NZSIR’s current listing examples are in Kerikeri, Waiheke Island, Auckland and Queenstown.
“There's a clear and growing trend of property being held and treated as a family heirloom rather than a liquid asset,” he says. “The property becomes a gathering point: somewhere all generations can use, return to, and eventually inherit as a shared legacy.”
About New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty
New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty is a specialist agency that focuses on the sale of premium property through quality marketing and global networking. Founded in 2005 by Mark Harris and Julian Brown, the NZ branch of the global company has 28 offices nationwide – Northland, Auckland Britomart, Auckland North Shore, Auckland Remuera, Auckland South East, Waiheke Island, Hamilton, Cambridge, Rotorua, Taupō, Napier, Ahuriri, Havelock North, Palmerston North, Masterton, Greytown, Kapiti, Wellington, Hutt Valley, Nelson, Marlborough, Wānaka, Arrowtown and its head office in Queenstown. It is part of Sotheby’s International Realty – the world’s leading luxury real estate company – with a global network of approximately 1,110 offices and more than 26,100 affiliated independent sales associates throughout 84 countries and territories. It is through this unparalleled luxury network that NZSIR is able to access and market properties on an international level. In 2022/2023 NZSIR was named Best International Real Estate Agency Asia Pacific (5-20 offices) at the International Property Awards and also won Best Property Agency/Consultancy New Zealand at the 2025 International Property Awards for the Asia Pacific region.
www.nzsothebysrealty.com