Just prior to Christmas 2025, the Better Later Life Action Plan 2025–2028 was launched in Blenheim by the Minister for Seniors, Casey Costello, to the general public and members of Grey Power Marlborough, including national president, Gayle Chambers.
A part of the Better Later Life Action Plan – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034 – the new 2025-2028 plan is the Government’s strategy for New Zealand’s ageing population. It focuses on making the future better for them.
At the launch, Minister Costello said New Zealand was a great place to grow older.
“We benefit from strong family connections, close-knit communities, and high life expectancy. This is a big part of why two-thirds of older Kiwis report good mental wellbeing. To ensure older New Zealanders continue to get the support they need, we need a system which provides the right care, in the right place, at the right time, not just today, but into the future.”
The Better Later Life Action Plan is built around a simple goal: helping every New Zealander to live well for longer. It focuses on three areas which matter a great deal to older people. The objective is to have greater connectivity between agencies and services.
Driving real change
People are living longer, healthier lives and to keep up, Minister Costello said government agencies need to work together, think differently and prioritise what works.
The plan is about breaking down silos and focusing on changes which will make a meaningful difference, including:
- Removing barriers to government services so people can find what they need without hitting dead ends.
- Supporting more affordable housing options.
- Providing tools and guidance to allow people to plan for later life.
- Helping people stay mobile and connected with their communities by improving the system for driver licensing.
- Helping older people stretch their budgets and keep access to banking.
- Strengthening protections against elder abuse.
- Modernising the SuperGold Card so it remains useful and relevant.
Minister Costello said it was about taking practical steps so every Kiwi had the opportunity to flourish well into their later years with dignity, independence, and real opportunities to live well.
“In the past 12 months we [the Government] has delivered rates relief for SuperGold cardholders, made changes to consenting rules for small standalone dwellings such as granny flats to increase housing options, and most recently I announced the establishment of a new Ministerial Advisory Group to drive reforms to our outdated aged care model.
“Launching the action plan with Grey Power was a fitting way to round off a year of progress.”
After the launch, Federation president, Gayle Chambers remarked on Minister Costello’s impassioned speech regarding the plan’s aims to improve cost of living services, health related services, housing and more. (See Ms Chambers reaction – Presentation impresses Grey Power President)
