Introduction
He kupu arataki
The Older Workers Employment Action Plan (OWEAP) encompasses those aged 50 and over who are working or who want or need to work.
The purpose of the OWEAP is to ensure that older New Zealanders who want or need to work can find sustainable employment that fulfils their needs and aspirations and contributes to their overall wellbeing.
This plan supports the Government’s Employment Strategy
The Employment Strategy presents the Government's vision for the labour market and the changes it is implementing to improve employment outcomes for all New Zealanders. This and the other six population action plans focus on improving outcomes for groups that consistently experience poor labour market outcomes (youth, older people, Māori, women, Pacific people, disabled people, former refugees, recent migrants and ethnic communities). The action plans are complementary; some people may find that actions in more than one plan will address the variety of challenges or opportunities they face.
It also supports the Government’s strategy for our ageing population
The vision of the Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua Strategy (Better Later Life Strategy) is that older New Zealanders lead valued, connected and fulfilling lives. It promotes the importance of meaningful work for older people, in achieving financial security and economic participation.
The Government has already started work on some actions to achieve these objectives under the first Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua Action Plan 2021 to 2024 (Better Later Life Action Plan).