The New Zealand Institute is a privately funded
think-tank that is committed to generating new and creative debate, ideas, and
solutions that contribute to building a better and more prosperous New Zealand
for all New Zealanders.
Excerpts are taken from two Ownership Society
Discussion Papers:
1. The wealth of a nation:
The level & distribution of wealth in New
Zealand; July 2004
This paper describes the current level and distribution of wealth in New Zealand, compares this situation to several other countries, and considers several emerging pressures that may make it more difficult for New Zealanders – particularly young New Zealanders – to accumulate wealth over their lifetimes.
2. It's not just about
the money: The benefits of asset ownership; October 2004
This paper outlines the powerful impact that asset ownership has on improving financial and life outcomes for individuals and also on the contribution that broadly distributed ownership has on social cohesion at a national level.
Full reports may be sourced from http://www.nzinstitute.org/index.php/ownershipsociety/papers/
FOREWORD: CREATING AN OWNERSHIP SOCIETY
Asset ownership is increasingly important for meaningful
participation in society and the economy. Ownership enhances the ability of
people to access opportunities and to invest in the future – by buying a
house, financing education, and so on – and allows people to cope with shocks.
Assets provide greater security, control, and independence. A broad distribution
of ownership also generates enhanced social cohesion at a national level, and
ensures that more New Zealanders obtain the benefits of economic growth. So
helping all New Zealanders acquire assets will make a significant contribution
to New Zealand’s economic and social future.
However, many
New Zealanders do not have any real
wealth holdings. And many New Zealanders
– particularly young New Zealanders –
are finding it increasingly difficult to advance financially
and build an ownership stake; rising house
prices and declining home ownership rates,
student loan debt, and an emerging debt
culture, all make wealth accumulation harder.
Our focus is
on identifying ways in which New
Zealanders can be assisted to acquire
assets over their lifetime.
1. The wealth of a
nation: The level & distribution of wealth in New Zealand
2. It's not just about
the money: The benefits of asset ownership; October 2004
Creating an Ownership Society
