The timing of a new documentary screening on Three on Tuesday, September 12 – just 11 days before the election – can hardly be a coincidence.

Fronted by renowned investigative Kiwi journalist Bryan Bruce, the NZ On Air-funded documentary Who Owns New Zealand Now? sets out to answer some leading questions, notably:

Do we believe that home ownership is a right, or that housing is a right? Who is buying our houses? Why is it that housing has become so unaffordable for people on average incomes? Exactly what impact is foreign money, notably from China, having on house prices? Should housing be seen as vital infrastructure, just like roading and schools?

Bruce compares average incomes and the cost of buying a house in the '60s and today, and sets out to find out why there ...

MEDIAWORKS

Bruce compares average incomes and the cost of buying a house in the '60s and today, and sets out to find out why there is a huge disparity.

But this doco doesn't just ask the questions. Softly spoken Bruce, who looks like everybody's favourite uncle, isn't afraid to tackle the hard ones and he sets out to get some answers. Be prepared to be scared by the stats – they are frightening. And be prepared to question your own motivations.

Bruce's research takes him to several countries, including Ireland where he films 'ghost houses' that were built but ...

MEDIAWORKS

Bruce's research takes him to several countries, including Ireland where he films 'ghost houses' that were built but have never been lived in following the economic crash.

There's good historical background, international comparisons, and some fantastic interviews with experts in Canada, Ireland and Germany – countries that have faced the exact same problem.

Bruce also looks at some of the many possible solutions (available particularly in Germany) that would provide families with stability of tenure that don't involve private ownership.

This is a must watch. Let the conversation begin.