PremiumOpinionOpinion byMary HolmColumnist·NZ Herald·17 Jul, 2026 05:00 PM11 mins to readMary Holm is a columnist for the New Zealand Herald.An increasing number of older couples are choosing to be "live-apartners", keeping their lives and living arrangements separate. But such partnerships can pose problems when it comes to government assistance. Photo / 123rfMight I have to support him?Q: Where do I stand?The Residential Care and Disability Support Services Act 2018 and the Social Security Act 2018 say the assets of both partners in a relationship are generally considered jointly.
Spouses or partners are expected to support each other until their
