The Boomer Generation

"A lot of baby boomers are baby bongers." - Kevin Nealon

The Boomer Generation

I’m a Boomer baby but we weren’t all bongers. Yes, there were many incredibly famous people who indulged, but I and millions of others didn’t. Mr Nealon was being humorous making this remark, I get it. Nevertheless, bongers have existed in the generations before us and will long continue in generations after us. 

The Lucky Generation

I tend to agree, but this is my own experience. Born between 1946 and 1964 we post World War Two babies grew up in a time of economic boom. Houses, cars, washing machines, fridges, all were available and affordable. In our small hometown my dad housed and fed us on one income, and we were a large family. I continued that pattern with my own family in the 1970s. We had help with a deposit on a home, I was able to pay the mortgage, feed the family and get to work on a net weekly wage of $50. At the time I thought it was a struggle, food and petrol got low the day before payday and at times I wondered how I would get to work. 

Looking back the pressures were real but compared to what later generations have to deal with in today’s world, Boomers had great opportunities to build wealth. It didn’t always work out for everyone but that’s life.

Peace, Love and Music

I was still in primary school when I heard Scott Mckenzie’s San Francisco. It’s still a favourite song of mine long after the 1960s flower power era. In the hippie years Boomers main message was “make peace and love, not war”. A valid message, given the aggression shown in subsequent wars. Boomers have pushed and protested for major social reforms in the 1960s and 70s, including for civil rights, the rights of women, and anti-war protests. Significant social and cultural changes occurred, leading to equality, individual freedoms, and social justice. 1969’s famous Woodstock music festival in New York heralded an appropriate end to the 1960s counterculture movement.

Boomers New Zealand

• Benefited from the Welfare State: Boomers grew up during a time of strong social welfare programs, including free education and healthcare, which provided them with opportunities for social mobility. Tertiary education is no longer free, although some fees free programs are available for those who qualify.

• Contributed to Economic Development: Boomers played a significant role in New Zealand's economic development during the latter half of the 20th century.

• Shaped National Identity: Boomers have contributed to the evolution of New Zealand's national identity, particularly in areas such as social liberalism, environmental awareness, and political activism.

• Housing Market Dynamics: Boomers had some influence in rising house prices, but the main driver was the influx of immigrants over decades. The impact of rising house prices, to subsequent generations has been significant, especially for first home buyers.

• Ageing Population: As they age, Boomers are contributing to New Zealand's ageing population, which has implications for healthcare, social services, and retirement systems.

• Protests: Boomers were prominent in protests in seeking social and political justice. The largest protest in our history, were protests held against the rugby tour in New Zealand by the 1981 Springboks of South Africa. The protest was not against rugby, but against the apartheid policies of the white South African Government against the majority black population. From a Maori perspective the 1977 Bastion Point protests was the most significant. The occupation of Bastion Point by Ngati Whatua lasting 506 days was against the government’s plans to build luxury housing on traditional tribal land.

The Boomer generation relates to Western societies including New Zealand. The group is diverse within the age group in terms of their experiences, values, and political views. Most views of Boomers are complimentary others are not. "The baby boomers are the most spoiled, most self-centered, most narcissistic generation the country's ever produced." - Steve Bannon. "The baby boomers have dropped the ball on their burden of responsibility." - Meghan McCain

It is the sheer size of the Boomer generation and the historical context in which they came of age, having left a lasting impact on Western society and New Zealand.