What we can do for

Seniors / Ko ngā Kaumātua

We're here to support people as they age, to be happy, healthy and valued.

The Ministry of Social Development's Senior Services

What's the latest?

We’ve moved most of the information from this website to the Seniors pages in the Work and Income website. This is where most people now go for information on NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension. It’s also easier to use and works well with mobile phones and tablets.

You can also apply online for NZ Super and Veteran’s Pension and access other online tools from the Work and Income website.

For all the latest information about:

  • New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super)
  • Veteran’s Pension
  • overseas pensions
  • other benefits and payments you might be able to get
  • community groups and organisations that may be able to help you.

Older Workers Employment Action Plan

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.

Report - Older people experiencing vulnerability and multiple disadvantage in New Zealand

To support actions under the Government’s Better Later Life Strategy Action Plan 2021-2024 – He Mahere Hohenga – MSD partnered with SWA and MoH to build an evidence base demonstrating the size, scale and characteristics of older people experiencing vulnerability in health, housing, finance, social connection and access using the Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI).

This report presents the first phase of work and demonstrates where compounding hardship is occurring across different communities in Aotearoa, NZ.

Office for Seniors

The Office for Seniors:

  • liaises with the Seniors sector and provides services to the Minister for Seniors
  • provides information to government and non-government agencies on issues affecting Seniors
  • delivers and promotes implementation of the ‘Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034’ strategy
  • raises awareness about Elder Abuse
  • supports and promotes Age Friendly Communities
  • provides information for Enduring Power of Attorney.

Contact Senior Services