National Forum calls on local government candidates to act on housing security for older people

In the lead-up to this International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2025, members of the Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing / He Oranga Kaumātua, He Oranga Tangata are calling on local government candidates to take action on one of the most pressing issues facing our ageing population: access to secure, affordable housing.

Across Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, demand for seniors’ housing far outstrips supply. Waitlists are long, council-owned units are always in high demand, and the number of older renters is projected to double nationally by 2048. Without urgent action, many older people risk being left in cold, unsuitable or unaffordable private rentals.

The numbers paint a stark picture:

• 40% of people over 65 live solely on superannuation.
• 1 in 5 are still paying off a mortgage.
• By 2048, the number of older renters will double.
• Only 5% of rental homes are physically accessible for older people.
• For Māori kaumātua and Pacific elders, the risks are higher: 18% of Māori over 65 face financial vulnerability, compared with 5.4% of Europeans.

Councils have shown strong leadership in the past and play a critical role in enabling housing for older generations. Auckland’s partnership with The Selwyn Foundation through community housing provider Haumaru Housing, for example, has transformed and expanded its portfolio of affordable rental homes for older Aucklanders. Wellington has drawn on its Age-Friendly City status and innovative Te Toi Mahana Trust model to unlock new funding opportunities. Christchurch led the way in 1938 with New Zealand’s first council pensioner flats and continues to provide thousands of homes through the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust.

With demand growing rapidly, however, National Forum members say the next step is clear. They are asking every council candidate to sign a Local Government Pledge Card, committing to:

• Protecting and expanding the stock of affordable housing for older people, committing to no net loss of units;
• Unlocking under-used council land for senior housing developments close to transport and services, enabling hyperlocal communities;
• Embedding universal design standards to ensure safety, accessibility and wellbeing;
• Partnering with iwi and community housing providers to deliver kaumātua housing;
• Advocating to central government to lift income-related rent subsidy caps.

Secure, age-friendly housing is more than a social service – it is essential city infrastructure. As Forum members stress, investing in older people’s homes supports health, strengthens communities and honours the contribution kaumātua and seniors have made to the growth of this country.

Local government is a powerful force for creating an environment where everyone can age well. In these local elections, therefore, candidates have a chance to demonstrate their commitment to ensuring every older New Zealander can age well in a secure, warm and accessible home.