Research reveals almost 1 in 5 New Zealanders spend more than 50% of household income on mortgage – compared to global average of 11%

GHD, a global professional services company operating in the markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation, released CROSSROADS, a comprehensive report that explores perspectives on intergenerational equity and its pivotal role in shaping future communities. In the report, GHD explores the important role that infrastructure plays in meeting the diverse needs of current and future generations, both globally and in the New Zealand.

• Research on intergenerational views on infrastructure needs shows that housing affordability, a sustainable economy and access to reliable and affordable public transport are top priorities for New Zealanders
• 17% of New Zealand respondents to global survey say they spend more than 50% of household income on mortgage or rent, compared to a 10-country average of 11%
• GHD says to address these core issues there needs to be a strong focus on zoning and infrastructure prioritised where it encourages affordable housing development closer to workplaces, public transport and existing amenities
• Smart tech like ‘digital twins’ and scenario modelling will support informed planning decisions

A new report released by Global Professional Service Firm GHD reveals that housing affordability, a sustainable economy and affordable and reliable public transport are top priorities for New Zealanders.

GHD’s CROSSROADS report also shows that 17% of New Zealand respondents say they spend more than 50% of household income on mortgage or rent compared to a 10-country average of 11%.

CROSSROADS is a global survey of intergenerational equity through an infrastructure lens, conducted across 10 countries and surveying more than 13,000 people across four cohorts – Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and Boomers.

The report’s findings underscore the significant need for uptake of smart digital tools, strategic zoning along transport corridors, and making better use of existing resources, if we are to address housing affordability for future generations.

The report also highlights that New Zealanders are less optimistic that decisions being made today will result in our communities being better off in 30 years’ time compared to the global average when it comes to providing more affordable housing, improving public transport, transforming existing land or buildings into community facilities/housing, and planning ahead for future needs.

“CROSSROADs research underpins an urgent need to be more strategic with our land use and infrastructure decisions, if we are to make communities stronger and housing more affordable for generations to come in New Zealand,” says David Norman, GHD NZ’s Chief Economist.

“New Zealanders want to live in communities with good transport connections, where it is easy to get to work and be part of a strong community. To get there, we need an approach to land zoning and pricing that reflects the true cost of infrastructure, which would naturally direct growth into existing brownfield locations and unlock land to deliver more affordable housing at scale.”

The survey’s findings for New Zealand also show most respondents across all generations are willing to adapt their behaviours and contribute to solutions, but there is a strong expectation that governments and businesses take the lead in driving large-scale change.
“We need a coordinated approach to address the complexities of urban growth and infrastructure demands,” says Stephen Douglass, GHD’s Future Communities Leader, New Zealand Asia-Pacific.

“Greater uptake of digital tools and scenario planning are some of the ways infrastructure development can be better coordinated for the benefit of councils, communities, developers and funders. For example, digital twins can be used to visualise different urban planning scenarios – this saves time, cost and increases the chances of accurate costing and planning upfront.

“History demonstrates clearly that when you zone for development in places close to work, transport and other amenities, and provide certainty to developers, that is where the growth will go. This naturally supports improved housing affordability, transport and environmental outcomes.”

Read the full CROSSROADS Report or find out more at: crossroads.ghd.com

About GHD

GHD is a leading professional services company operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation. Committed to a vision to make water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come, GHD delivers advisory, digital, engineering, architecture, environmental and construction solutions to public and private sector clients. Established in 1928 and privately owned by its people, GHD’s network of 12,000+ professionals is connected across 165 offices located on five continents.