I say, they say – we all say | My Generation
- Written by
- Dyani Van Basten Batenburg
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?
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?
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?
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: “High priority, it makes you think differently. You make friends that you have for life; experience different cultures; discuss different subjects and different upbringings. 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 the younger generations who are annoyed that many 65+ Kiwis are still working and simultaneously receiving superannuation?
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.”
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. 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.”
If you could turn back time, what would your advice be to your younger self – what would you do differently?
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.”