What We Do

The Office for Senior Citizens provides policy advice to the Minister for Senior Citizens and government agencies. Our three key functions are to:

1. Lead the New Zealand Positive Ageing Strategy. This includes:

• Assisting government departments to identify work items to implement the Strategy.
• Developing initiatives to promote positive ageing, with government agencies and community organisations.
• Promoting, monitoring and reporting on the implementation of the Strategy.
• Revising the Strategy as changes are needed.

2. Provide policy advice to the Minister for Senior Citizens and government agencies on issues affecting older people. This includes:

• Leading policy that involves working across government sectors.
• Providing advice on policies and issues affecting older people.
• Servicing the Advisory Council for Senior Citizens in their role of providing independent advice to the Minister on issues concerning the welfare of older people.

3. Support the Minister for Senior Citizens. This includes:

• Providing advice on Ministerial correspondence.
• Providing advice on briefings for speeches and meetings.
• Managing the Volunteer Community Co-ordinators Programme.

While we play a lead role in the implementation of the New Zealand Positive Ageing Strategy, we do not deliver services directly to individuals or groups. If you are looking for employment or income related support, visit the Work & Income website.