My Generation

I say, they say – we all say

 Dyani Van Basten Batenburg

My Generation

Generational divide in opinions and predictions is always a hot topic, so what better way to kick off 2021 than with a snapshot of speak from four Kiwis spanning four age brackets and regions. Here’s what they had to share on housing, education, expectations, and superannuation.

Our people . . . Coromandel: Chris Patterson, 70s, construction costs consultant

Hawkes Bay: Delwyn Armstrong, 50s, business owner/property developer Waikato/Bay of Plenty: Ben Shaw, 30s, construction developer Auckland: Sophia Wells, 20s, third year university student, AUT

Do you think the younger generation (post-1990) or older generations (pre-1990) have it harder when stepping onto the property ladder?

Sophia: “Yes I think the younger generation have it harder in one sense because it’s unrealistic for us to purchase a house at 25 nowadays due to the fact that saving for a deposit is tough – renting alone takes the bulk of a wage. Unless you live at home well into your 20s – even 30s – saving is no easy feat.” Delwyn: “I think it’s about even. Tend to think parents are in a better position to help their children onto the property ladder today – and interest rates are lower. In our day, interest rates were higher and parents weren’t in a position to help – yet house prices were a lot cheaper.”

When you first left school what was your top priority?

Chris: “I didn’t have a top priority as such – life was cruisey.

Going to university was a starting point but not an essential.” Ben: “I left school at 16 and went straight into a trade. The onus was get qualified, earn money and then travel.”

Growing up what were the expectations on you? Do well in school and get a good job? Buy a house? Have career? A family?

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Sophia, Chris, Ben: “Be a good person. Expectation more about being a caring, honest and morally grounded adult above all else.”

What do you think – know – of our current secondary education system – NCEA? How do you think it compares to that of old i.e. School Certificate, Bursary?

Ben: “It’s too soft. It’s designed to help a handful of students and dampen down the rest. There’s no willingness to put pressure on students anymore – to strive.” Sophia: “I don’t know much of old, but I think with NCEA the focus is on sitting more of the academic template rather than fully learning and comprehending the content.”

Is travelling the world a priority (was a priority)? Why?

Delwyn: “It’s beneficial to have the older generation working in the community. They have the mentorship, wisdom and experience to bring a balance into work places.” a s R BT e Young gen, what would you say to the older generation who are still working and receiving super? Sophia: “I don’t think they should stop working – super by no means provides a large amount to live off. Delwyn: “High priority, it makes you think differently. You make friends that you have for life; experience different cultures; discuss different subjects and different upbringings. I know for some people, the minute they stop working – which gives them a sense of purpose – it can have quite an effect on their drive and mental health.” Really high priority.”

Do you think our public health system is performing well?

Chris: “When you really need it, I think it performs well.” Sophia: “As a whole I think it’s really good but think it lacks in serving mental health areas/ issues. We have one of the highest rates of youth suicide in the world – I think we need to put more onus on prioritising this sector.”

Boomers, what would you say to If you could turn back time, what the younger generations who are would your advice be to your annoyed that many 65+ Kiwis are younger self – what would you do still working and simultaneously differently?

receiving superannuation? Delwyn: “I would listen to my gut – not family members – and start buying property from a younger age.” Chris: “Nothing, but I think it’s because I’ve lived my life by not setting goals – I’ve lived it.” Ben: “Maybe not have got three dogs.” Sophia: “Have greater confidence in my younger self to try more things – to know that even if I don’t succeed it’s not the end of the world.”