Our Age Friendly Hamilton
What's our goal?
We want Hamilton to be one of the friendliest places for those who are 65 and older to live. We’re focussed on future-proofing the city's facilities, support, and services, especially as the number of New Zealanders aged 65+ is expected to double to between 1.3 and 1.5 million by 2046.
Why is it important?
In 2018 we had 20,000 people aged over 65 living in Hamilton. This number is expected to increase to 37,000 by 2030, 52,000 by 2040 and 66,000 by 2050. This will impact the design of facilities and infrastructure around the city.
How are we doing it?
We got together with community agencies, organisations and businesses to develop our Hamilton Age-Friendly Plan 2021-2024. Hamilton was also the country's first city to join the World Health Organisation’s Age-Friendly Network of Cities and Communities in 2018, which was championed by the Age-Friendly Hamilton Steering Group.
Useful information for older people
Whether you’re new to Hamilton or not, here's some some useful information for you and your older family members including community groups and helpful resources.
Community groups for older people
Use the links below to connect to your community’s groups and networks. You’ll also find a comprehensive contact list of community groups across Hamilton in our 2023 Your Guide to Hamilton.
- Age Concern Hamilton – enhances quality of life for older people, through services, support and information.
- Hamilton SeniorNet – specialised computer and internet courses for older people.
- Rauawaawa Kaumātua Charitable Trust – a Kaumaatua-governed and led organisation servicing the needs of Kaumaatua (aged 55+) within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.
- Grey Power (Hamilton) – monitors and meets politicians and key organisations to advocate for and promote the welfare and wellbeing of all New Zealanders aged 50+.
- Enabling Good Lives (NZ) – ensures disabled people have more choice, control and support in their lives.
- Enrich Plus (Waikato) – provides programmes and works alongside those living with disabilities, autism or neurodiversity, their whaanau and community.
- Volunteering Waikato – matches volunteers with people and organisations.
- Dementia Waikato – provides support and information for people affected by dementia.
- Accessible Properties – social and disability housing provider committed to providing housing that meets tenants' needs.
- Stroke Foundation Hamilton – help and support people and their families/whaanau affected by stroke.
- Te Kohao Health Kaumatua and Kia Services – enhances positive, social and functional activities for Kaumātua through mentally and socially stimulating programs.
- Hamilton Chinese Golden Age Society
- Waikato Seniors Indian Society
- Age Friendly Aotearoa NZ/Te Tari Kaumatua Office for Seniors – provide advice, support and resources for creating age friendly communities in New Zealand.
- K’aute Pasifika Services – supports those with disabilities in the Pasifika community.
Your city’s future
Planning and strategy
Our Age-Friendly Plan 2021-2024 has more than 40 actions to be progressed over the next three years, involving dozens of local groups and organisations. It was developed using nine age-friendly themes:
- outdoor spaces and buildings
- transport and mobility
- respect and social inclusion
- social participation
- civic participation and enjoyment
- communication and information
- housing
- community support and health services
- safety.
The Plan's implementation is being overseen by a group of experts in older people’s issues. This group reports to Council every six months, and there are also twice-yearly updates on the Plan’s implementation provided to the Council's Community Committee.
Waikato Wellbeing Project
Our Council is part of the Waikato Wellbeing Project (WWP). This is a community-led initiative that is developing wellbeing targets for the Waikato, based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Its 10 goals include a focus on health, housing and hardship - three areas which can become more challenging to deal with for those growing older.
Other planning and strategy initiatives
- Our Community and Social Development Strategy 2021-2026 (He Rautaki Whakawhanake Hapori) encompasses the needs of our diverse communities. One of its outcomes is high community use of our places and services because they are accessible, safe and welcoming.
- Our Welcoming Plan has aged-focused support as part of its overarching goal of ensuring all Hamiltonians get the most out of their community and the opportunities Hamilton can offer. You can also contribute to updates in the Plan – see information on the Plan in welcoming communities.
- Council’s He Pou Manawa Ora – Pillars of Wellbeing strategy, sets out how Council will work with others using the pillars (pou) of History, Unity, Prosperity and Restoration to build a proud and inclusive city for the wellbeing of all its people, including older people.
Council decision-making - have your say
As a significant part of Hamilton’s community, we also want to make sure older people (and the organisations that support them) have a voice in Council decision-making.
Get involved in your community
Council supports a variety of events and provides venues and facilities where all Hamiltonians can connect and/or collaborate as individuals or groups.
Getting out and about
Our city also has some great public spaces and places everyone can enjoy. Many of these are ideal for bringing Hamilton’s older people together for a variety of educational, community group-related or just plain fun-related activities!
Note that Claudelands Globox Arena, FMG Stadium Waikato, and Seddon Park are designed to make it easier to use these venues e.g. wheelchair access. Visit their websites or phone 07 929 3000 to get more accessibility information for each venue.
You can find out how Council’s information, services, funding and resources are helping Hamiltonians to use our public spaces and places more – and how your group can use them.
To find out about mobility parking spaces and access in Hamilton see our mobility parking page and view our map.
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Last updated 25 March 2024