With the "BLL Action Plan 2021 to 2024," the government has set its priorities in addressing the needs of an aging population, focusing on employment, housing, and digital inclusion.
The Office for Seniors leads the BLL Strategy and is responsible for New Zealand's affiliation with the Global Network. The Office provides advice on issues affecting older individuals and supports the Minister for Seniors in advocating for their well-being. The Office also leads the national Age-Friendly Programme, fostering a network of age-friendly communities, providing resources for their development, and supporting age-friendly projects through a small grants scheme.
In addition to its age-friendly efforts, the Office supports communities through funding initiatives such as the Digital Inclusion Programme, Senior Enterprise Programme, and the Homeshare pilot. They also engage with other government departments to influence policies and programmes that enable age-friendly communities.
One significant aspect of the Office's work involves raising awareness and building networks to prevent, identify, and respond to elder abuse. In 2022, the Office provided grants to 11 community organisations addressing violence prevention needs, extending funding to seven of those organisations in 2023 due to their demonstrated impact.
Over the period from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, the New Zealand government made noteworthy progress towards creating an Age-friendly Aotearoa New Zealand under the BLL Strategy and BLL Action Plan.
Employment:
- Progress in the Older Workers Employment Action Plan, focusing on removing barriers for older workers and extending support to job seekers over 65.
- Research on older Māori and work to be published in August 2023.
- The establishment of the Senior Enterprise Programme, supporting individuals aged 50+ in developing the skills to start businesses in later life.
Housing:
- A Homeshare pilot to support older people into shared living arrangements.
- Application of age-friendly principles to urban development.
- Research into council housing for older people and those impacted by divestments.
- Collaboration with the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge to explore small homes and make them more available.
- Initiatives to improve accessibility within the Building Act and Code.
- A legislative review of the Retirement Villages Act 2003 is set to release a discussion paper in September 2023.
Digital Inclusion:
- Contribution to the new Digital Strategy, focusing on digital inclusion.
- The establishment of the Digital Inclusion Action Group for Older People.
- Expansion of the Digital Inclusion program, including partnerships with Pasefika Proud and the Ministry of Social Development to reach disadvantaged groups.
- Participation in events like TechWeek and the 16th International Federation on Ageing conference to promote digital inclusion.
These initiatives reflect New Zealand's strong commitment to fostering an age-friendly environment, promoting well-being among its older citizens, and embracing the challenges and opportunities of an aging population.
