The scarcity of mental health facilities, huge increases in house prices and a lack of infrastructure spending are taking the shine off living in small town New Zealand, the Salvation Army is reporting. Rising house prices have forced many first homeowners out of major cities into smaller regions. While cheaper house prices have beckoned, the promises of capital gains have also appealed to investors, pushing house prices up and locals out of the market. In Tokoroa, locals spoke of homes that are cold, damp and run down, with landlords unwilling to spend money upgrading them. People spoke of increasing levels of depression, stress and anxiety, but inadequate mental health services to address these concerns.

Source: Stuff August 10, 2021 03:56 UTC