We believe in creating a meaningful difference for older people across Aotearoa New Zealand. We achieve this by advocating a positive view of older people across all sectors of society, government, business, organisations and the media. We lead advocate, connect, and collaborate to support the wellbeing and rights of older New Zealanders.
Our focus is on dignity and respect towards older people and valuing their contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Influencing policy for better outcomes
Lasting positive change doesn’t happen by accident – it happens when policy reflects real lives and long-term thinking. Advocacy is central to our work because policy shapes the systems and environments people rely on every day. Central and local government, businesses, researchers and non-government organisations are all key drivers of policy, systems and environments.
We work to influence policy and communication decisions, so they better serve communities, particularly as increasing numbers of New Zealanders are living longer. By bringing lived experience and frontline insights into policy conversations, we help decisionmakers understand not just what needs to change, but why it matters.
Our advocacy is constructive, collaborative, and informed from insights from our Age Concern network across Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s shaped by research evidence, data, and the lived experience of older New Zealanders. Age Concern New Zealand engages with central government, officials, and sector partners to help shape policies that are practical, equitable, and future focused. Local Age Concerns engage with local government to reflect the unique needs of their community.
You can read our submissions here.
Calling for change
There are many valuable policy positions held by our sector colleagues that we support, and we invest time providing insights, with a lens that represents the range of needs and perspectives of people aged 65 to 105+.
As a national organisation representing older New Zealanders, we have key focus areas that we discuss across our Age Concern network and believe will have the greatest impact for people aged 65 and over, as well as the generations to come. The following statements provide an overview of our position in these key areas. You can read our full positions here.
Recognise that ageism is a human rights issue. It is a pervasive and harmful force underpinning much of the commentary on older people and ageing, and that this narrative must be actively challenged and changed.
Recognise that Aotearoa New Zealand is in a long-term housing crisis and urgent reform is needed along with cross party housing policies to ensure that renting or home ownership is viable for all, across generations.
Recognise that many older people live on fixed incomes with little opportunity to increase their income to meet rising costs.
Recognise that reducing the impact of loneliness and social isolation on individuals and communities requires investment in proven interventions, resourcing of community transport options and education on the health impacts and risks.
As I have no older people in my family anymore, I like being able to get this through visiting. Love learning about their life. Visiting Services volunteer
Recognise that a long-term cross-party strategy is needed for health services to ensure the right care at the right time and in the right place.
Recognise the need for investment in all aspects of Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services – education, intervention, community support
Looking beyond the intended outcomes
Well intentioned policies can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, especially when they are designed without input from the people most affected. These consequences can include increased inequity, added pressure on services, or barriers that were never anticipated.
We pay close attention to these ripple effects. Our role is to identify where policy works well in theory but creates challenges in practice, and to clearly communicate those impacts back to decision-makers. By doing so, we help improve policies before harm becomes entrenched.
This approach ensures advocacy is not just about securing change but about securing the right change.
Advocating with business
We work directly with national businesses to ensure decisions, services, and communications reflect the needs and realities of older people.
When major changes are introduced, we support businesses to communicate clearly, accessibly, and with sufficient notice, recognising that how change is communicated can be just as important as the change itself.
Our advocacy also extends to how older people are represented. We encourage respectful, authentic portrayals in marketing and communications, challenging age‑based stereotypes and ensuring messaging reflects the diversity, dignity, and value of older people.
We work with businesses to understand how ‘online-only’ changes can unintentionally exclude older customers through limited digital access, confidence, or choice, and to identify practical ways to maintain inclusion.
Age Concern New Zealand also works with businesses where frontline staff work with vulnerable members of their community. We offer training sessions to help address elder abuse.
Sector collaboration
We work closely with sector organisations and researchers to build collective knowledge, innovation, and evidence. A key part of this work is our shared leadership with the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing. This forum promotes a coordinated action to improve the lives of older New Zealanders, their whānau/families, and communities.
In 2025, the forum released five pledges for longer, better lives. Read more about the pledge campaign.
Be an advocate for positive ageing
Lasting change is stronger when it’s driven by people and communities. We invite individuals, organisations, and allies to stand with us as advocates for older people, lending their voices, experience, and influence to help shape decisions that affect how we all age.
Our ambassador programme – Dignity Champion, welcomes advocates to stand against ageism and help to create a society that values people of all ages.
Read our submissions
We’re on the front line, submitting to government on legislation that shapes the lives of older New Zealanders.
