Better Later Life Action Plan Unveiled to Support Older New Zealanders

“The Action Plan consists of a range of practical improvements and is built around a simple goal—helping every New Zealander to live well for longer,” said Minister Costello.

A bold new plan aimed at improving the lives of older New Zealanders has been launched by Minister for Seniors Casey Costello, with a focus on promoting wellbeing, independence, social connection, and financial security. The Better Later Life Action Plan 2025–2028 lays out a blueprint for a more coordinated, inclusive, and supportive environment for the country’s growing population of people aged 65 and over.

A Vision for Ageing Well

“The Action Plan consists of a range of practical improvements and is built around a simple goal—helping every New Zealander to live well for longer,” said Minister Costello.

The plan focuses on three key priorities that matter most to older people:

1. Supporting wellbeing and independence

2. Increasing housing access and options

3. Ensuring financial security and personal autonomy

It also aims to strengthen existing services, modernise tools like the SuperGold Card, and expand community networks and digital literacy training.

Insights From a National Services Stocktake

Before developing the plan, the Government conducted a comprehensive stocktake of services for older New Zealanders. The findings showed that:

• Over 50 different services are available for older people

• These are provided by 23 government agencies

• More than $28 billion was spent on senior-related services in the last fiscal year

• Around 80% of that spending went toward New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super)

• The SuperGold Card remains the most widely used non-income-related service

The Action Plan is designed to complement and enhance these core services, with a particular focus on gap-filling and practical improvements.

Key Initiatives in the Action Plan

The plan outlines several targeted actions aimed at improving quality of life for seniors:

1. Improved Housing Options

Older New Zealanders want to remain in their communities and age in place. The Government will work to expand the range of suitable housing options, including accessible and affordable homes in locations close to services.

2. Safer Mobility and Driving Support

Recognising the importance of independence, the plan includes a review of driver licensing and medical assessment rules to help older people stay on the road safely for longer.

3. Strengthening Local Support Networks

The Government will support local networks, such as libraries, to deliver digital literacy training and help seniors engage with online services and information more confidently.

4. Later Life Planning Tools

A set of new guidance resources and tools will help seniors and their families plan for the future—covering topics like finances, legal matters, housing, and health.

5. Enhanced Elder Abuse Protections

Efforts will be stepped up to identify, prevent, and respond to elder abuse, a growing issue in ageing societies. This includes training for frontline workers and more public awareness initiatives.

6. Modernising the SuperGold Card

The plan explores upgrading the SuperGold Card so it can serve as a primary form of ID, thereby enhancing its value and convenience for seniors in everyday life.

Cross-Government Approach for Maximum Impact

The Action Plan takes a cross-agency and ministerial approach, encouraging collaboration among government bodies to streamline service delivery and increase accessibility.

“Across government, we want to improve access to information about government services so people can more easily find the help that’s available and the support they need,” said Costello.

She added that better coordination would allow seniors to navigate services more efficiently and receive timely and tailored assistance.

A Response to Changing Demographics

New Zealand, like many countries, is experiencing a rapid demographic shift. By 2034, more than 1 in 4 New Zealanders is expected to be over the age of 65. This Action Plan aims to prepare the country’s systems and infrastructure for this transformation, ensuring older adults remain valued, empowered, and connected.

Plan Availability and Next Steps

The Better Later Life Action Plan 2025–2028 is now available for public viewing and download on the Office for Seniors website: officeforseniors.govt.nz

The Government encourages older people, their families, community groups, and service providers to read the plan and get involved in its implementation, as achieving its goals will require collaborative effort at all levels of society.