Big money investors and urbanites are moving into small town New Zealand, snapping up properties and driving rentals to exorbitant prices.
The Salvation Army's State of Our Communities Report, which explores life in the towns of Invercargill, Carterton and Tokoroa, lays bare the economic and mental hardship locals are facing.
In some regions, rental properties have become so expensive, it's cheaper to pay a mortgage than to rent.
Salvation Army social policy analyst Ronji Tanielu spoke to Corin Dann.
