Retirement village protections

Retirement village reform is another area Labour wants to address.

“We believe seniors deserve greater fairness and security in retirement villages. Labour is committed to stronger protections for residents, including requiring repayment of residents’ capital within three months, rather than leaving people and their families waiting a year – or sometimes longer – to receive money that is rightfully theirs.”

Healthcare policy

Healthcare affordability was another strong theme in the survey, which Leary says is particularly significant for older New Zealanders – and was also a focus for the Green Party.

“No one should delay seeing a doctor because of cost, and that is especially true for older New Zealanders, who are more likely to need regular medical care," Labour’s Leary says.

She adds that many retirees are also worried about the financial prospects of younger generations.

“We recognise that many seniors are concerned not only about their own circumstances but about the future facing their children and grandchildren. That’s why Labour’s Future Fund policy is focused on building a New Zealand where young people can build successful lives, with secure jobs, affordable homes and opportunities that encourage them to stay and contribute here."

The New Zealand Future Fund is intended to be an independently governed fund that would invest in “infrastructure and innovative Kiwi businesses”.

Leary says tackling housing affordability and wider cost-of-living pressures would benefit entire families and help older New Zealanders feel more confident about the future.

Greens: More social housing for seniors

Green Party spokesperson for seniors Dr Lawrence Xu-Nan suggests the survey should be a wake-up call for policymakers.

“Lifetime’s recent survey is yet another stark reminder that New Zealand must do better for our seniors now, or conditions will only get worse.”

Xu-Nan says the Green Party wants to uphold “seniors’ mana” by prioritising policies that support equitable and fulfilling lives.

“We have heard from seniors on how the cost-of-living crisis has hit them hard, and we are concerned that seniors are one of the fastest growing demographics on the social housing register.

“This is why the Green Party is committed to keep pushing for an increase in our accessible public housing stock with sufficient care facilities and amenities that are appropriate for seniors,” he says.

Cutting the cost of living

“We have also advocated for free GP and dental visits and laid out a plan for lower energy bills for all of us in our latest energy announcement,” Xu-Nan says.

The Greens are proposing the creation of a publicly owned energy company, KiwiPower, which it says would help make electricity more secure, affordable and cleaner.

But Xu-Nan says the party’s vision is broader than addressing immediate cost pressures and it is committed 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.  where ageing is a positive process”.

NZ First

Minister for Seniors Casey Costello of New Zealand First , says it remains the strongest defender of New Zealand Superannuation eligibility.

“We continue to uphold the age of entitlement at 65 - no ifs, buts, or maybes,  and we remain committed to maintaining NZ Super at no less than 66% of the net average wage.” She says it will not support any move to weaken this by shifting the link to inflation.

Costello lists changing the income abatement thresholds for the rates rebate eligibility for Supergold Cardholders and retaining the winter energy payment as key outcomes delivered during this term in government.

Enhancing the benefits of the Supergold card is continuing with an improved platform for accessing information and increasing discount opportunities. Budget 2026 secured the funding to make the Supergold card a primary form of legal identification to assist those who no longer have a passport or driver license.

To improve housing options we have made legislative changes to make it easier to build subsidiary dwellings and through New Zealand First’s fast-track legislation we have been able to progress infrastructure and housing projects.

Aged Care reform is being progressed following on from the New Zealand First coalition agreement commitment for a select committee enquiry and improving not only health services but investing in staying well is equally important. Practical steps to improve access to care and deliver the right care, at the right time and in the right place are being developed.

We recognise that many retirees are deeply concerned about the financial wellbeing of their children and grandchildren. Our broader economic strategy including the Regional Infrastructure Fund and exploring a “KiwiSaver at Birth” initiative, aims to build long‑term prosperity so future generations can thrive.

New Zealand First will continue to advocate for the best outcome for Seniors because we are a better, stronger nation because of their contribution. Whether as caregivers, coaches, administrators, mentors, advisors, volunteers, employers, community leaders, neighbours, parents, grandparents – our over 65s are critical to who we are as a country.


No doubt other political parties will have more to say on these areas as the November general elections draw nearer. In the meantime, Lifetime remains open to hearing from any other political parties that would like to share their response to its recent survey on retiree concerns.

Numbers not adding up? Plan your retirement income with Buckets of Money