Office for Seniors New Zealand

15/06/2026

14/06/2026

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It's a good time to check in on the older people in our lives.

Many forms of abuse are subtle, seem acceptable or are done “for the person’s own good”. Abusers are often close to the older person, and trusted.

If you're concerned about someone, or just want to talk about something that worries you, call the Elder Abuse Response Service: 0800 32 668 65.

31/05/2026

Congrats to King's Birthday Honours recipients announced today! 🎖

Especially to the following for your hard work supporting older people.

MNZM
Wayne Bradshaw, Age Concern
Irihapeti Bullmore, seniors and Māori Health
Dr Alison Talmage, Music therapy

KSM
Hanny Naus, Age Concern
William Rayner, Grey Power and Auckland Heritage

Read the full list here
https://www.dpmc.govt.nz/publications/kings-birthday-honours-list-2026

The New Zealand Order of MeritThe King has been pleased, on the occasion of the celebration of His Majesty’s Birthday, to make the following appointments to The New Zealand Order of Merit:

27/05/2026

Older New Zealanders are a growing part of the consumer economy.

Spending by people aged 65 and over is projected to rise from $54.7 billion a year in 2024 to around $357.7 billion by 2074.

Food, transport and recreation are among the largest areas of expenditure.

As our population changes, retailers and service providers will see a larger share of their customers in older age groups.

Understanding this shift isn’t just about demographics, it’s about recognising changing demand and planning for it.

Find out more www.officeforseniors.govt.nz/businessofageing

24/05/2026

Reminder about King's Birthday Weekend 👑

If you're usually paid on Tuesday 2 June, you will be paid on Saturday 30 May.
Some services may be closed on Monday. Read below for full details

King’s Birthday is coming up soon on Monday 1 June 2026.

Here’s what you need to know about our services over King’s Birthday weekend.
📍Our service centres and contact centres will be closed on Monday 1 June.
📍If you’re normally paid on Tuesday 2 June, you’ll be paid on Saturday 30 May.
📍There will be no other changes to payments.
📍You can still access our online services through MyMSD and our service express line.

Check out the Work and Income website below for more info 👇
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/2026/kings-birthday.html

21/05/2026

Increase to Accommodation Supplement 🏠

Announced today, if you receive the Accommodation Supplement, the maximum amount you can receive will increase from 1 April 2027.

What is the Accommodation Supplement?
Accommodation Supplement is a weekly payment which helps people with
-rent
-board, or
-the cost of owning a home.

Eligibility depends on your income, living situation and assets.

19/05/2026

Got an email that looks like it’s from a trusted business? Looks like a good deal? Take a moment to double check.

Scammers are increasingly impersonating well-known companies - and their emails can look very convincing.
Before you click or pay, stop and check:

-Don’t pay unexpected invoices
-Be cautious about last-minute payment changes
-Check the sender’s email address carefully
-Verify invoices using a trusted contact (not the details in the email)
-Know what genuine communications from that business usually look like

Remember: Never share personal or financial details if you’re unsure.

Taking a few extra seconds to check could save you from losing money.
See Own Your Online for more information
https://www.ownyouronline.govt.nz/business/scam-check/text/

17/05/2026

Population ageing is reshaping New Zealand’s workforce.

In 2024, around 217,400 people aged 65 and over were in work.

By 2074, that number is projected to more than double to 477,800, nearly 11% of the national workforce.

This isn’t a short-term trend. It reflects longer working lives and changing expectations about employment later in life.

The change is here now, but as our population changes, older workers will play an increasingly important role in our economy.

Find out more www.officeforseniors.govt.nz/businessofageing

14/05/2026

When did you last use a coin operated parking meter?

14/05/2026

👏 Awesome to see this from Marlborough District Council!

The Senior Navigator Pilot project was supported by our latest Age-friendly funding round.

The Marlborough Age Friendly Forum, which meets monthly, connects the sector that provide services to the seniors’ community.

Senior Navigator Lottie Kawharu, pictured, introduced herself and her new role at the April forum and spoke about the pilot programme being rolled out in Marlborough.

The programme came about through a collaboration between Presbyterian Support, Grey Power, Citizens Advice Bureau and Council. It combines education, empowerment and advocacy to support seniors and whānau to navigate complex systems and access the help they need.

The pilot is possible thanks to funding from the Office for Seniors, age-friendly community grants, the Rātā Foundation and Lotteries.

The Marlborough Age Friendly Forum discusses a range of topics relating to seniors in the community at its monthly meetings. It also provides an opportunity for those who work in the sector to network.

For further information about Marlborough’s Age Friendly Forum contact [email protected]