Resources

Our resources

• Attitudes towards ageing technical report 2016

  The Office for Seniors commissioned Nielsen to undertake research to help understand New Zealanders’ attitudes towards older people and to ageing in general. 

  PDF, 2781 KB • Published January 2016

• Briefing to the Incoming Minister (BIM) November 2023

  This briefing provides the Minister for Seniors with an overview of the portfolio, along with key matters for their consideration in the first three months of their role.

  PDF, 1814 KB • Published

• Business of ageing 2023 update

  This companion report utilises the Business of Ageing framework set in the original 2011 report, adapted for the 50 to 64 year old age group. The 65+ year old age group is in separate report due to the dynamics of ageing and, while New Zealand does not have a retirement age, the most common age to retire is 65, which is when most people are eligible for NZ Superannuation, meaning that their incomes streams shift. 

  PDF, 880 KB • Published August 2024

• Business of Ageing 2026

  The Business of Ageing 2026 update shows that older New Zealanders contribution to the New Zealand economy is increasing, with strong increases in paid work, self‑employment, tax contributions, consumer spending, and unpaid work such as caregiving and volunteering. It confirms that population ageing is already reshaping the labour market and economic activity, marking a long‑term structural shift that businesses, communities, and policymakers need to plan for now.

  PDF, 1050 KB • Published April 2026

• Business of ageing factsheet 2015

  A factsheet derived from the Business of Ageing report 2015. 

  PDF, 211 KB • Published July 2015

• Business of ageing technical report 2015

  This Summary reports on the results of the ‘2014-15 Business of Ageing Update.’ The Update is the third of a series of studies that began in 2010 which seek to monitor and assess trends in the economic value and business opportunities associated with New Zealand’s increasing population of Older People [65+ years].

  PDF, 1236 KB • Published January 2016

• Business of ageing update 2015

  This report provides an update to the 2011 report: Realising the Economic Potential of Older People in New Zealand: 2011–2051.

  PDF, 1199 KB • Published January 2016

• Business of ageing update 2017

  This Summary reports on the results of the ‘2017 Business of Ageing Update.’ The Update is the fourth of a series of studies that began in 2010 which seek to monitor and assess trends in the economic value and business opportunities associated with New Zealand’s increasing population of Older People [65+ years].

  PDF, 382 KB • Published October 2017

• Business of Ageing: Realising the economic potential of older people in New Zealand 2011–2051

  This report aims to highlight the value of older workers to employers. It aims to stimulate discussion 
  and a better understanding of the potential of this growing consumer market for businesses. For 
  policymakers and commentators it offers evidence of a different view of the contribution of older 
  people in the coming decades.

  Not all baby boomers may want to remain in paid work, but flexibility and changing attitudes will be key 
  to harnessing the potential of those who do. New Zealand’s economic competitiveness over the next 
  40 years will hinge on how we build on the skills, knowledge and economic power of its older people

  This report aims to encourage discussion and highlight the potential of older people’s contribution to 
  the New Zealand economy. It offers insights into how our competitiveness over the next 40 years will 
  hinge on building on the skills, knowledge and economic power of our older people. 
  It presents research undertaken by the Ministry of Social Development in early 2010. The research 
  outlines how this contribution might look over the next four decades, and provides a platform from 
  which to view two of the Minister for Senior Citizens’ key priorities for older people. These are: 
  • to encourage employment of mature workers 
  • to change attitudes about ageing. 

  Government cannot work in isolation to develop these priorities into tangible actions. It is intended that 
  this report adds to the body of knowledge that will stimulate thought and action among government 
  agencies, NGOs, business groups and individuals.

  PDF, 872 KB • Published January 2011

• Community Connects grant review

  In February 2021, the Office completed a review of Community Connects to see whether it was meeting its objectives and to identify opportunities for improvement (the review). 

  PDF, 1217 KB • Published April 2021