The growing number of New Zealanders who do not own their homes are in for a tough retirement.

That's according to a study out of the University of Otago that argues for a revamp of NZ Super to better protect Kiwis who will still be paying a mortgage when they stop working.

Data from the Commission for Financial Capability says that while today 70 per cent of people over 65 are mortgage-free, another 13 per cent are homeowners with some mortgage.

But for those nearing retirement, the 55-64 year olds, only one third of them have paid off the mortgage. Another nearly one third of this generation don't own a home at all.

And in the plight of a New Zealand nurse kidnapped by Isis, disagreement has broken out between our Government and the Red Cross.