Happy, healthy and supported.
The Green Party will uphold the mana of seniors by prioritising the support that enables equitable and fulfilling lives.
Seniors have cared for us and served their communities. Many continue to do so during retirement.
Every senior should be valued, connected and able to live with dignity. However, the Luxon Government has sidelined the needs of seniors, meaning many find themselves without the care and support they need. Some have no one to turn to.
Guided by manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and led by Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we envision communities where seniors are recognised and celebrated as leaders and knowledge holders, actively shaping whānau, hapū and iwi life. Homes are warm, accessible and designed for connection across generations, while community spaces and marae-based centres foster belonging, learning and support.
We believe those who work in aged care must be respected and rewarded, with secure conditions that enable them to provide high-quality, compassionate support. Care systems should be equitable, culturally grounded, and responsive, ensuring Māori, Pacific Peoples and diverse communities can access services that reflect their values and tikanga.
The Green Party commits to a long-term, non-partisan vision where seniors thrive with dignity and autonomy in vibrant intergenerational communities, ensuring that ageing is a positive process.
Our plan
- Launch a dedicated long-term strategy for the needs of an ageing population which encompasses the holistic wellbeing of kaumātua, elder abuse prevention, ensuring income is equitably accessed and sufficient to live comfortably, and the establishment of a state-owned, not-for-profit retirement village scheme.
- Increase funding for community spaces and the establishment of facilities, programmes, education and volunteering opportunities that are accessible to seniors.
- Expanding housing options by building more papakāinga, prioritising kaumātua on social housing waitlists, and ensuring housing designs are suitable for their needs — single-level and warm, with mobility features and room for intergenerational living.
- Ensure support services are grounded in cultural values, and that home and community care workers are well trained, supported and paid equitably and fairly by including travel time.
- Resource Māori, Pacific and migrant organisations to provide kaumātua care that is aligned with their values, cultural practices and tikanga.