Veteran journalist Bryan Bruce investigates the housing crisis in the documentary 'Who Owns New Zealand Now?'

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?

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.

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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. We will bring you a review of the programme after it airs at 8.30pm tomorrow night. Let the conversation begin.

Who Owns New Zealand Now? screens on THREE, Tuesday, September 12 at 8.30pm