When Debt Becomes a Problem: A Literature Study

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.