Lower average salaries, economic harm from family violence, and higher representation in casual and part time work can make it hard for women to save for their future – despite wanting to. The number of people entering their senior years as renters is also increasing. 

Emma Saunders, Chief Executive at Good Shepherd NZ, says:

“As a result, single older women can face financial barriers to living in healthy, secure and affordable homes that meet their needs. Some don’t have enough money to pay for bond or advance rent, afford essential appliances, make small changes to keep a home safe and accessible, or connect to utilities. We have some tools that can help.”

We are thrilled to be partnering with two organisations and the proud legacies of former Auckland Mayor Sir Ernest Hyam Davis and his daughter Yvonne (Mollie) Carr, who all have a strong track record for supporting women into their later stages of life. The Selwyn Foundation provides services to older people and their families, and uses its financial assets and leadership to drive positive social impact at scale. Perpetual Guardian has been providing estate planning options for New Zealanders for over 145 years, alongside enacting the wishes of philanthropists like Sir Ernest and Mollie, to provide social support to older people experiencing poverty and homelessness.

Thanks to funding from all parties, Good Shepherd NZ will co-design and work alongside these and other organisations supporting single older women experiencing housing challenges. We will leverage Good Shepherd’s financial wellbeing services and tools as part of an innovative and community-focused package of support. This includes our no-interest loans and family violence economic support for those experiencing intimate partner or elder abuse. 

Liz Gibbs, Chief of Social Impact at The Selwyn Foundation, says:

“Through this work, we hope to remove the financial barriers for some single older women accessing safe and stable housing. We also hope to contribute to the social sector’s understanding of the experience of older women, the barriers they face, and how best to assist them.”

Supporting single older women is an important part of our mission to help women, girls and their families be safe, strong, well and connected. Their needs, priorities and decisions will guide this pilot programme so our help is effective in ways that uphold mana and dignity. 

Kirsten Kilian-Taylor, Head of Philanthropy at Perpetual Guardian, says:

“The Selwyn Foundation and Good Shepherd NZ are doing great work in spaces that align beautifully to the legacies of Sir Ernest Hyam Davis and Mollie Carr and their heart intentions that our older generations are supported into housing and to move beyond deprivation and financial insecurity. This is an exciting collaboration, and we look forward to working together to help lift older women out of hardship and increase their financial and holistic wellbeing.”