Encouraging more people to get into gold as a safeguard, C&A Gold Merchants has introduced a new $50 per month minimum outlay. Its model is similar to KiwiSaver: regular, small amounts going into a large pool – but only in gold, silver, or a mix of both.

“Unfortunately, I do not see things getting better. So, yes, I think the price of gold may well hit US$4000 an ounce next year. As a company, we are very busy; a lot of Kiwis are now cashing up their gold investment to take advantage of the price rises.”

Coleman metaphorically shakes his head at this. He understands why people might realise profits but says gold’s value is primarily as a hedge against the sort of ructions affecting the world right now.