Research: Housing challenges of older women living alone

This report brings together the voices and experiences of older women who are living with housing stress or on low incomes, and the support that helps them stay well.

We conducted research with a small number of women aged 57-83, who described the challenges they face and the strength and resourcefulness they draw on to manage them.

For many, housing challenges are shaped not only by limited income, but by lifetime patterns of low pay, caregiving, disability, racism, migrant experiences and the long-term effects of trauma. These overlapping and intersecting factors influence how older women access and maintain housing and how they experience the systems around them.

The insights shared in this research report offer a clear picture of what secure housing looks like for older women, the barriers that get in the way, and the opportunities to support women to age in place with stability, dignity and connection.

We outline principles, findings and opportunities for Good Shepherd, other social service organisations, and government agencies to address these challenges.

Research: The impact of Good Shepherd NZ’s services in 2024/25

This report analyses the impact our services and support had for people working through financial harm and hardship, between July 2024 and June 2025.

We conducted research with more than 300 clients to hear what they had to say about the support we provided and the impact it had on their lives. 

The research said that not only did our services make an immediate difference in the lives of clients experiencing financial hardship and family violence – the improvements to clients’ wellbeing were sustained.  

Clients who participated said more likely to have enough money to meet every day needs and have money left over at the end of the month; more likely to feel in control of their finances and confident about their financial future; more hopeful for the future; and more satisfied with life. 

Thank you to our amazing clients for continuing to contribute your feedback to this ongoing research. We will keep using what we learn to improve our services. 

Research: Family violence economic abuse

This report and its companion resources shine light on women’s experiences of economic abuse and the long-term financial and economic consequences of family violence.

Good Shepherd New Zealand seeks to raise awareness and improve understanding of economic abuse and harm from family violence.

To support these efforts, we interviewed people who experienced this form of abuse and analysed data from our services and from Women’s Refuge.

Research: Economic abuse in New Zealand

Good Shepherd New Zealand worked with the specialist research team at Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand to establish an understanding of economic abuse in New Zealand.

This study considers economic abuse, specifically as a form of intimate partner violence where men perpetrate violence against women, within the New Zealand context. 

The purpose of the report was to contribute to a common understanding of economic abuse and grow the knowledge in this area to support effective, evidence-based policy and practice responses.