Introduction
He Kupu Arataki
Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034 is the Government’s strategy for making the future better for older New Zealanders. Our goal is to recognise older people’s potential and create opportunities for everyone to contribute and be valued.
Significant work has already been undertaken on initial actions we incorporated into the Strategy when it was published.
Since the Strategy was published, the Minister for Seniors set up and chairs a Ministerial Steering Group who meet regularly to oversee the Strategy’s implementation. In February 2020 we developed indicators to track our progress against Strategy outcomes, and we published a baseline that we will report against.
COVID-19 has made significant changes to New Zealanders’ lives. We put together a set of seven indicators to understand its impact on older people. The indicators consider income adequacy, unemployment, benefit receipt, loneliness, elder abuse, discrimination, and housing. We used this information to inform our priorities and guide development of this first Action Plan.
This plan summarises the actions that central government agencies will deliver to support Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua in the period 2021 to 2024.
Vision
Te Whāinga
Older New Zealanders lead valued, connected and fulfilling lives
Kia noho ora tonu ngā kaumātua
Principles:
- Valuing people as they age
Te whakaaro nui ki te tangata i ō rātou rā ki te ao. - Keeping people safe
Te noho haumaru. - Recognising diversity and that everyone is unique
Te aronui ki te āhua ake o ia tangata. - Taking a whole-of-life and whānau-centred approach to ageing
Te whakarangatira i te kaumātuatanga mā ngā tikanga whānau. - Taking collective responsibility to plan and act for later life
Te mahitahi ki te whakamahere i ōna rā ki te ao.
Priorities 2021‒24
Employment – Supporting older workers to use their skills and experience and enabling employers to build a resilient, multigenerational workforce.
Housing – Ensuring there are a wide range of safe, secure and affordable options that meet older peoples’ needs.
Digital inclusion – Enabling older people to embrace technology and ensuring everyone can access essential services.
Action areas
Achieving financial security and economic participation.
Promoting healthy ageing and improving access to services.
Creating diverse housing choices and options.
Enhancing opportunities for participation and social connection.
Making environments accessible.