29 October 2006
Review shows great progress for Ageing Strategy
An independent review showing significant progress has been made towards achieving the ten goals of the New Zealand
Positive Ageing Strategy has been welcomed by Minister for Senior Citizens, Ruth Dyson.
“I am pleased to see the review by the New Zealand Institute for Research on Ageing (NZiRA) shows very good progress is
being achieved by government agencies in implementing the Strategy”, said Ruth Dyson.
The New Zealand Positive Ageing Strategy was launched in 2001, and sets out the Labour-led government’s vision for a
society where people can age positively, where older people are highly valued, and where they have continuing
opportunities for participation. The Strategy has ten positive ageing goals to support this vision.
The positive ageing goals were developed through nationwide consultation with older people. They reflect the priority
issues that were identified to improve opportunities for older people so they are able to participate in their
communities in ways that they choose.
“Since the launch of the Strategy central government agencies have worked hard to develop policies and programmes, to
improve the lives of older people in New Zealand. There has also been increasing interest from local government
authorities in the Positive Ageing Strategy.
“I am looking forward to seeing even greater progress made in ensuring that all older New Zealanders are able to have
full and productive lives as they age,” said Ruth Dyson.
Achievements so far include:
Moves to ensure security of income
o New Zealand Superannuation Act, 2001
o Superannuation portability
o CPI adjustments to New Zealand Superannuation
Improvement in health services
o Health of Older People Strategy
o Establishment of Primary Health Organisations
o Devolution of funding to District Health Boards
o Needs assessment guidelines for older people
Appropriate housing options
o Income-related rents in Housing New Zealand tenancies
o Gradual removal of asset-testing for residential care
o Retirement Villages Act 2003
Support for ageing in place
o Fall prevention programmes
o Elder Abuse and Neglect prevention through the Family Violence Prevention Strategy
o Fire service initiatives
Acknowledging the experience of older people
o Acknowledgement of war service
o Volunteer Community Coordinators network
o Intergenerational programmes
ENDS