Today's retirees feeling priced out of retirement

The findings reveal a broad, simultaneous strain affecting retirees across cost-of-living expenses, council rates, healthcare access and the adequacy of retirement income.

Cost of living remains the dominant concern, cited by 77% of respondents. 

Lifetime Retirement Income – which helps retirees generate income to supplement New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) – surveyed more than 700 seniors across the country earlier this year. Most respondents were aged 65 and over.

The survey makes clear this is not a single-issue problem. Five of the top six concerns are cost-related, including the cost of living (groceries, power, insurance, petrol), council rates, dental expenses, the adequacy of NZ Super and heating costs.