Implementing the Better Later Life Strategy - Budget 2021

The Government is investing in work to make New Zealand a great place to age.

We want to continue implementation of the Better Later Life Strategy to create opportunities so everybody can participate, contribute and feel valued as they age.

The Government is investing $1.964 million over four years to increase support for the Office for Seniors to address the three current priorities for action of digital inclusion, housing, and employment.

• This investment of $1.964 million over four years will allow the Office for Seniors to increase capacity by three full-time employees.
• This support will enable the Office for Seniors, in conjunction with other government departments, to commission research, develop communications, expand engagement with older people, and develop policy in relation to priority areas for action of employment, digital inclusion and housing.
• This initiative will help older people to better engage with others online and secure access to housing that meets their diverse needs. It will also support improvements in employment outcomes for vulnerable older workers.
• This funding will help plan for the challenges and opportunities that come with an ageing population

Supporting information

• As at December 2020 15.6% of New Zealand’s population is aged 65 years or older.
• It is projected that by 2034 more than 21% of the New Zealand population will be aged 65 and over. This equates to approximately 1.2 million people.
• The Office for Seniors is a branded business unit within the Ministry of Social Development. It is responsible for supporting the Minister for Seniors to advocate for and raise awareness of the issues facing older people and to lead the implementation of the Better Later Life - He Oranga Kaumātua Strategy.

Costs