The face of Aotearoa
New Zealand is changing

NZNFDHA Age Friendly Media Guide 2025 - Cover Graphic

Download our Age-Friendly Media Guide

Making small but meaningful changes in how we talk about and portray our older population can  promote more respectful and inclusive dialogue about ageing.

This guide is designed as a practical tool to support New Zealand’s news, media, communications practitioners and others to portray older people with respect, dignity and in a way that accurately represents the rich diversity and value of our older population.

What is the Decade of Healthy Ageing?

The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021 – 2030) is a global initiative focussing on the way we think, feel and act towards ageing.

Longer lives are one of humanity's greatest achievements. However, we don't just want to add years to our lives, we want to add life to our years, enjoying good health and well-being in later life.
 
The Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing (the National Forum) is a national response to the UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (the Decade).
 
The National Forum’s Leadership Group, and the Forum’s members will guide a strategic approach to actioning an
Aotearoa-informed response to the Decade’s four key themes:
  • combating ageism
  • age-friendly environments
  • integrated primary care
  • long-term care.

Creating a world where everyone can age well.

The United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) is a global initiative focused on changing the way we think, feel and act towards ageing.

Living longer is one of humanity’s greatest achievements, but living well matters just as much as living longer. Good health, wellbeing, dignity, and respect should be part of everyone's later years. The Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing | He Oranga Kaumātua, He Oranga Tangata (the National Forum) is our response to the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (The Platform).

Established by The Selwyn Foundation, the Office for Seniors, and Age Concern New Zealand, the National Forum brings together leading organisations to support or advocate for older people and their families/whānau.

Reflective of the goals of the Decade, the National Forum is focused on shaping policy and practice across three strategic priority areas:

  • Priority 1: Transforming the ecosystem for healthy ageing
  • Priority 2: Living longer in the community
  • Priority 3: Challenging ageism

Our day-to-day purpose is to stand up for the oranga | wellbeing of kaumātua and older people in Aotearoa New Zealand, so we can all thrive.


Moemoeā | Vision

He Oranga Kaumātua | He Oranga Tāngata

How we choose to embrace the growing opportunities and challenges of an ageing population in Aotearoa New Zealand will impact all people at all stages of life, our communities and our nation. The National Forum is dedicated to:

  • Uplifting the oranga | wellbeing of all kaumātua and older people in Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Ensuring kaumātua and older people live long, healthy and fulfilling lives (healthy longevity) based on self-determined priorities
  • Creating a platform for collaborative action.
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