This literature study gathers and synthesises information on household debt problems from national and international literature. Its aim was to:
- review the literature so as to provide definitions of key terms,
- estimate (for the first time) the size and scale of debt problems in New Zealand,
- discuss possible reasons why some people fall into debt problems,
- assess the likely impact this has on individuals and families,
- outline possible avenues for tackling debt problems,
- and suggest where there are information gaps.
The review has been written to provide a foundation for considering future government and non-government policies relating to the issue of over-indebtedness.