Kaumātua

Older People

We champion the lives of all kaumātua in Aotearoa New Zealand, guided by insights from our members who work alongside older people every day. Our focus is on raising awareness, sharing information and advocating for policies that promote positive ageing and social inclusion for all kaumātua. Together, we strive to enhance the wellbeing and quality of life for all older people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Kaumatua - an older persons hands

Read the report

Explore our easy-to-read guide that highlights the world of older New Zealanders. Designed for anyone who wants to know more about the lives of kaumātua, with helpful information about rights, wellbeing, aged care and more. This guide also explores the challenges faced by older people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Enhance your understanding and support the kaumātua in your life with the most relevant, up-to-date information available. 

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Explore our work with older people

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Residential High-Rise Housing in Aotearoa - Long-term Insights Briefing 2025

We support HUD’s focus but raise concerns on high-rise suitability for ageing populations.

Older white man walking up an indoor staircase
Submission
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MSD's 2025 Long-term Insights Briefings - current and future disadvantage of older people in Aotearoa

Our submission to MSD’s Long-Term Insights Briefing addresses future policy needs for New Zealand’s ageing population.

Photo of the back of an older woman walking down a 4 wheel drive track
Submission
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Spotlighting Structural Ageism on International Older Person’s Day

Recognising the vital contributions of kaumātua and addressing Structural Ageism across Aotearoa’s policies.

Screenshot of the title page of a presentation on Structural Ageism in Aotearoa
News
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Feedback to MBIE & Ministry for the Environment - Making it easier to build 'granny flats'

NZCCSS questions if proposed changes for easier granny flat construction will truly support aging in place.

AI generated image of a granny flat being constructed behind a family home
Submission
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Sector-Driven Aotearoa Aged Care Action Plan Unveiled

Press Release The Aotearoa Aged Care Action Plan is a sector-sourced and sector-endorsed call to action for our aged care…

AI generated image of an older person's hands holding a report showing graphs
Press Release
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Aotearoa Aged Care Action Plan

Join us to transform aged care for our kaumātua with the Aotearoa Aged Care Action Plan.

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NZCCSS tells the UN that Aotearoa New Zealand is failing older people

Press Release Older people in this country are not being prioritised, and specific action must be taken immediately to better…

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Briefings to Ministers (BIMs)

NZCCSS Briefings to Incoming Ministers (BIMs) following the 2023 General Election.

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A Tale of Two Whānau – The Effects of the Aged Care Crisis

A visual narrative on how aged care impacts families across the wealth spectrum

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Aged Care Continuum

Aged care in Aotearoa: A visual guide from least to most intensive third-party involvement

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Budget 2024 Social Services Analysis

We closely review Budget 2024, aiming to find the small line items that matter to our sector.

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Retirement Villages Act 2003 - Review

We support updating the Retirement Villages Act 2003 for better protections and clarity for residents

AI generated image of Retirement units side by side separated by a path
Submission
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Coalition Parties 2023 Election Policies-Kaumātua

Explore the coalition party’s policies related to older people and how they are expected to contribute to discussions.

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“Wisdom is with the aged and understanding in length of days”

Job 12:12