people can age positively. - MSD · ACTION(S) OBJECTIVE(S) LINK TO PRINCIPLE(S) AND RATIONALE CRITERIA/MEASURES OF ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVE KEY MILESTONES AND TIMEFRAMES POSITIVE

1 P O S I T I V E A G E I N G S T R AT E G Y A C T I O N P L A N

The Positive Ageing Strategy action plan is the mechanism for achieving the positive ageing goals and for Government to work towards creating a society in whichpeople can age positively.

Each year, Chief Executives of government agencies will identify and discuss with their Ministers proposed work items that will form their department's contributionto the Positive Ageing Strategy action plan. The action plan identifies the individual work items, to be undertaken and co-ordinated by many governmentdepartments, developed in response to issues raised during public consultations. It also includes work items identified by departments in their assessments ofthe changing social environment and the ability of current policies to meet the needs and challenges of an ageing population.

The action plan provides the following information for each work item:

• Project name and brief description;

• Objective(s) of the project;

• Relevance to the Positive Ageing Strategy;

• Measure of achieving the project objective; and

• Key milestones and timeframes.

The Positive Ageing Principles are:

Effective positive ageing policies will:

1. Empower older people to make choices that enable them to live a satisfying life and lead a healthy lifestyle;

2. Provide opportunities for older people to participate in and contribute to family, whanau and community;

3. Reflect positive attitudes to older people;

4. Recognise the diversity of older people and ageing as a normal part of the lifecycle;

5. Affirm the values and strengthen the capabilities of older Maori and their whanau;

6. Recognise the diversity and strengthen the capabilities of older Pacific people;

7. Appreciate the diversity of cultural identity of older people living in New Zealand;

8. Recognise the different issues facing men and women;

9. Ensure older people, in both rural and urban areas, live with confidence in a secure environment and receive the services they need to do so; and

10. Enable older people to take responsibility for their personal growth and development through changing circumstances.

Monitoring and reporting

Monitoring and reporting on progress achieved in the work items included in the annual Positive Ageing Strategy action plan will occur in July each year, tocoincide with regular departmental reporting processes. Work items for the following year's action plan will be published at the same time.


AccidentCompensationCorporation(ACC)

Elderly victims ofviolent crime• Ministerial PolicyDirection issued 1 Nov1998. (Joint protocolbetween ACC and theHealth FundingAuthority)

Work with Ministry of Health toensure that older people who areassessed as needing long-termresidential support (eg rest homecare) as a result of violent crime:• Receive continuity of carebetween the services provided byACC and the HFA• Do not have to pay for this care

9The protocol ensures thatolder people who areinjured as the result ofviolent crime receive theresidential support servicesthey need and are notpenalised financiallythrough being providedwith those services

Each recipient ofservices under theprotocol has a regular(usually annual) "needsreassessment" toensure that the servicesthey receive continueto be appropriate

Ongoing. Under the protocol,services are provided toeligible people on an ongoingbasis (or until no longerrequired)

AccidentCompensationCorporation(ACC)

Fall preventionprogrammes for olderpeople• Extension ofcommunity-basedprojects conductedduring 1999/ 2000

Help reduce the number ofinjuries amongst older people, orreduce the severity of injury by:• Raising the awareness of olderpeople to fall-related risk factors• Promoting a variety of personal(eg exercise) and environmentalchanges to reduce or eliminaterisk factors for falls

1The programmes willpromote safer lifestyles forolder people throughhelping to preventaccidents, which can havea negative impact on theirhealth status

ACC programmeACC fact sheets writtenand published

CommunityprogrammesDevelopment of threecommunity-basedprogrammescompleted;programmes ready forimplementation byDec 2002

ACC programmeFact sheets available forcirculation to older people,their health professionals andcaregivers, by 28 Feb 2001

Community programmesThe respective communitygroups will establishmilestones and timelines fortheir particular projects. ACCwill monitor achievement ofthese annually

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PROJECT NAME ANDACTION(S)

OBJECTIVE(S) LINK TO PRINCIPLE(S) ANDRATIONALE

CRITERIA/MEASURESOF ACHIEVEMENT OFOBJECTIVE

KEY MILESTONES ANDTIMEFRAMES

P O S I T I V E A G E I N G S T R A T E G Y A C T I O N P L A N 1 J U L Y 2 0 0 1 T O 3 0 J U N E 2 0 0 2

This table provides information from government departments on work items that have been included in the Positive Ageing Strategy action plan. It also details

the monitoring process that departments will use to record the achievement of the objectives for those work items.


Arts, CultureandHeritage(Culture andHeritage)

Audit of HumanResources policies

• Ensure Human Resourcespolicies reflect relevant aspectsof the Positive Ageing Strategy

1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10 • Policies are updatedand reflect principles

• Policies reviewed andamended by 30 June 2002

Arts, CultureandHeritage(Culture andHeritage)

Cultural ConsumptionSurvey• The survey will formpart of the culturalstatistics programmejointly operated by theMinistry and StatisticsNew Zealand and will beundertaken within theNew Zealand Frameworkfor Cultural Statistics TeAnga TataurangaTikanga-a-iwi.

• Inform government policy-making and resource allocationby providing governmentagencies, particularly thoseinvolved in advising on,implementing, and monitoringgovernment policy, withauthoritative information. Thedata from the survey will also beof great interest to organisationsand researchers in the widercultural sector

4, 7Older people to be includedin survey

• Delivery of a body ofstatistical knowledgethat can inform andsupplement futurepolicy decisions bygovernment in theculture and heritagesector

• Survey Field Test –1 Oct2001• Fieldwork for the survey –7 Jan to 1 April 2002

Customs(NZCS)

Human Resourcespolicies• Long Service AwardProgramme• Retirement seminars• Phased RetirementScheme – developformal policy

• Formally recognise theoutstanding contribution andcommitment of employees to theNZCS• Provide staff nearing retirementwith support and information onthe retirement process• Provide for gradual retirementof staff• Allow flexibility in theretirement process to provide forthe varying needs of retiringpeople

1, 3, 4, 10These internal HR practicesprovide recognition andsupport for staff nearingretirement. They empowerolder employees andprovide them with theopportunities to takeresponsibility for theirretirement

• Regular awardceremonies areconducted as necessary• Seminars are providedfor all staff• A formal policy willbe written• Staff perception ofthe scheme will besought through exitinterviews

• A database is maintainedof all Long Service Awardsand seminars that have beenprovided to staff• The formal policy will becompleted by 30 June 2002

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Education Adult Education andCommunity LearningWorking Group• Provide advice to theAssociate Minister ofEducation (Adult andCommunity Education)on ways to improvepolicy and funding in thesector

• Improve participation andlearning achievement in adultand community education insupport of government social andeconomic goals

10Improve opportunities forolder people to access adultand community education

• Successfulimplementation ofapprovedrecommendations• Other measuresdependent on Cabinetapprovals

• Implementrecommendations as agreedby Cabinet, followingworking group report toAssociate Minister in March2001

Education Adult Literacy Strategy• Improve the qualityand quantity of learningopportunities for thosewith low levels of literacy

• Improve participation andachievement in adult literacyprogrammes to raise literacylevels in New Zealand overall

10Improve opportunities forolder people to access adultliteracy learning

• Increasedparticipation andachievement in adultliteracy programmes

• Implement actions fromThe New Zealand AdultLiteracy Strategy from 1 July2001

EthnicAffairs(InternalAffairs)

Issues for older peoplefrom ethniccommunities• Develop a checklist forpolicy advice forgovernment agencies,which includes questionsto determine the specificviews on ageing and theneeds of older peoplewithin ethniccommunities

• Identify the role, value andneeds of older people in ethniccommunities• Other agencies to use thechecklist in their policy adviceand consultation processes

1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10An ethnic perspective willpromote effectiveparticipation by recognisingthe needs of older people,and their value, in ethniccommunities

• Information onspecific concerns ofolder people fromethnic communitiescollected and includedin any policy projectconducted by theOffice of Ethnic Affairs• Evidence that otheragencies are using thechecklist

• Checklist implementedbefore 1 July 2001• Monitor use of checklistand report to Minister ofEthnic Affairs by 1 Dec 2001

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Finance(Treasury)

New ZealandSuperannuation Fund• Establish an investmentfund called the NewZealand SuperannuationFund

• Smooth (over time) the increasein NZ Superannuation costs,resulting from the ageing of thepopulation, by putting asidefunds now to meet the futureincrease in costs

1, 2, 10The fund will providesuperannuitants (and thoseyet to retire) with greatercertainty about theavailability of New ZealandSuperannuation in thefuture, and thereby theirability to participate in andcontribute to family,whanau and community

• Funds set aside overthe next 20 years, orthe number of yearsrequired, to smooth theincrease in costs

• Fund arrangementsimplemented (1 July 2001onwards)

Finance(Treasury)

Determinants ofSaving• An analysis of thefactors affectinghousehold and nationalsaving

• Undertake an econometricanalysis to explain saving ratesusing time series data

1, 2, 4Will help ensure olderpeople have appropriatelevels of retirement incometo support their lifestylechoices

• Contribute tounderstanding ofsaving rates

• Working Paper by July 2001• Ongoing policy advice asrequired

Finance(Treasury)

EconomicConsequences ofAgeing• An analysis of theeconomic and fiscalconsequences ofpopulation change

• Provide information for policyformulation

1, 2, 4Will inform policydevelopment relating tomaintaining adequateliving standards for olderpeople

• Improved estimatesof economic impacts

• Working Paper July 2001• Ongoing policy advice asrequired

Finance(Treasury)

UnderstandingHousehold SavingBehaviour

• Undertake an analysis of theHousehold Economic Survey toestimate the effect of age, cohortand year on saving rates byhouseholds

1, 2, 4Will help ensure olderpeople have appropriatelevels of retirement incometo support their lifestylechoices

• Improvedunderstanding of thelifetime patterns andadequacy of householdsaving

• Conference and WorkingPaper by July 2001• Ongoing policy advice asrequired

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Health(Ministry ofHealth –MoH)

Health of OlderPeople Strategy• Consult on a draftstrategy and develop afinal strategy• Develop animplementation plan• Develop and publish ahealth profile of olderpeople (including healthstatus, service utilisationand expenditure, futureprojections)• Develop a plan for themental health of olderpeople component ofthe Health of OlderPeople Strategy

• Provide a comprehensiveframework for a coherent,integrated approach to planning,funding and provision of servicesfor older people• Provide guidance to DHBs onpopulation-based healthpromotion approaches for thewellbeing of older people,including issues of leisure,exercise, nutrition and mentalstimulation• Provide guidance for DHBs onthe system changes needed toimplement the Health of OlderPeople Strategy• Identify intersectoral workneeded on funding issueshindering “ageing in place”• Ensure the availability ofmultidisciplinary, comprehensive,geriatric needs assessment aspart of integrated delivery ofhealth care for older people

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10To provide a strategic policyframework for DHBs’planning, funding anddelivery of populationinitiatives and health anddisability support servicesfor older people in theirregions

• Rationalisation andsystem changes toachieve nationalconsistency in servicefunding and provisionfor older people• Indicators for publichealth initiatives thatpromote wellbeing inolder people aredeveloped• Accountabilitymeasures are agreedand used as a basis forquarterly reporting• Publish a health dataprofile of older people• Agreement on a planfor the mental healthof older peoplecomponent of theHealth of Older PeopleStrategy

• National servicespecifications and accesscriteria are developed• Ongoing development ofpublic health indicators forolder people• Accountability measuresand indicators are used as abasis for quarterly reportingof DHB implementation ofthe Health of Older PeopleStrategy and reportingagainst the FundingAgreement• Distribution of the HealthProfile of Older People – byDec 2001• Final plan for the mentalhealth component of theHealth of Older PeopleStrategy is produced by June2002 for guidance to DHBs

Health(MoH)

Disability SupportServices fundingresponsibility• Implementingmanagement of DSSfunding for older people(dependent on Cabinetdecision on 28 Feb 2001)

• Clarify responsibility for DSSfunding for older people andestablish accountabilitymechanisms• Review home and supportservices (for people of all ages),including issues affecting familycarers and rural communities

1, 2, 3, 10To rationalise funding andsupport services for olderpeople with a disability

• Dependent onCabinet decisions inFeb 2001• Review of home andsupport services iscompleted

• Decisions on fundingresponsibility are reflected inDHB funding agreements• Plan and time frame forimplementing findings of thereview are developed

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Health(MoH)

Review asset testing• Review the currentasset testing regime forolder people assessed asneeding long-term care• Examine theimplications of removingasset testing

• Provide policy advice on theimplications of removing assettesting for access to long-termcare

1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10To inform policy advice onthe removal of asset testingfor access to long-term care

• Development ofpolicy advice on theimplications ofremoving asset testingregimes for olderpeople

• Provision of policy adviceon the implications ofremoving asset testingregimes for older people

Health(MoH)

NZ Health Strategy• Development of toolkits to guide DHB serviceplanning and funding toachieve the 13population health goals

• Inclusion of specific olderpeople indicators and measures(where relevant) in issuesimpacting on older people’shealth• Promoting health and wellnessand collaborative disease andinjury prevention through the lifecycle

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7To inform service fundingand provision decisions byDHBs

• Indicators specific toolder people (whererelevant) are includedin tool kits

• Ongoing development andevolution of initial tool kits,indicators and measures (1ststage completed by June2001)

Health(MoH andALAC)

National AlcoholStrategy• Co-ordinateimplementation ofstrategy through theIACD (Inter-AgencyCommittee on Drugs)

• Provide an evidence-basedaction plan to address alcohol-related harm in differentcommunities and among “atrisk” groups, including olderpeople

1, 4To inform policy advice,resource and servicedevelopment

• Indicators andmonitoring frameworkincorporated into theStrategy• 6-monthly reportingto the MinisterialCommittee on DrugPolicy on progress

• Development of healthpromotion and educationresources (Ageing Wellproduced 2000)• Ongoing policy advice onalcohol-related harmexperienced by older people• Ongoing workforcedevelopment andinformation for healthprofessionals about theeffects of alcohol on olderpeople

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Health(MoH andDistrict HealthBoards)

NZ Palliative CareStrategy• To ensure qualitypalliative care servicesbased on needs areavailable to all NewZealanders, includingolder people

Implement the 9strategies/actions over the next5 – 10 years, beginning with:• Ensuring access to essentialpalliative care services, includingassessment, and care co-ordination, clinical care andsupport care• Each DHB to have at least onelocal palliative care service

3, 9,10All people who are dyingand their family/whanauwho could benefit frompalliative care services havetimely access to qualitypalliative care services thatare culturally appropriateand are provided in aco-ordinated way

• Additional work onsupport services isundertaken• DHBs develop a planthat identifies localneeds for palliativecare, local serviceproviders and capacityfor providing essentialservices, andjustification for choiceof providers for localservices

• Work completed by June2002• Plan developed by June2002

Health(MoH)

NZ Disability Strategy• Co-ordinatedevelopment andimplementation ofstrategy

• Remove the barriers faced byall people with disabilities(including older people) to enabletheir full participation in society• Implement a stand-alonecohesive framework for disability,to guide policy and servicedevelopment• Get all government agenciesto take responsibility forimplementing appropriate partsof the NZ Disability Strategy

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10To guide policy and servicedevelopment

• Process measures tobe part ofdepartmentalimplementation workprogrammes• Actions, achievementmeasures andmilestones aredependent on Cabinetdecisions 5/3/01 andmay be amendedaccordingly

• Finalised NZ DisabilityStrategy published by Aug2001• Annual report to Parliamentby Minister for DisabilityIssues by Dec 2001• 2002/03 implementationwork programmes for alldepartments agreed by June2002

Health(MoH)

Health and DisabilityServices (Safety) Bill• Passage of the Bill• Implementation of thelegislation todemonstrate safeservices and continuingquality improvement

• Demonstrate safe practice inthe provision of health anddisability services in hospitals, resthomes and residential disabilityfacilities by auditing

1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9Safe care depends onappropriate standardsbeing met by serviceproviders; consumerfeedback is a componentof evidence to demonstrateservice improvement

• Certification ofservices based on asatisfactory audit reportby designated auditagencies• Degree of attainmentof criteria to meet thestandards, and criteriaare monitored

• Two-year transition phasefor implementation of thelegislation• Attainment of continuingimprovement isdemonstrated throughauditing

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Health(MoH)

Workforcedevelopment• Develop competenciesfor two kinds of healthworkers:–A second-level nurse;and–A second-level healthworker• Identify work forcetraining issues

• Ensure an adequate number ofappropriately trained healthworkers to deliver communityand residential health anddisability services for older people• Enhance the quality of careprovided in residential andcommunity settings• Address workforce issuesaround increasing thecompetency and skills levels ofsecond-level nurses and second-level health workers• Ensure client safety is protected• Clearly articulate the activitiesand settings the second-levelnurse and second-level healthworker will be engaged in

1, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10Older people have accessto adequate standards ofpersonal and support carein residential andcommunity settings

• Agreement on thecompetencies forsecond-level nurses andsecond-level healthworkers• Development of atime frame and plan forimplementing thecompetencies• Agreement onworkforce trainingneeds

• Competencies areimplemented according tothe agreed time frame• Develop a plan forimplementing workforcetraining

Health(MoH)

Supported living• Ongoing work onsupported living optionsfor older people• Ongoing involvementin supported housinginitiatives such as thekaumatua housing inTairawhiti andAbbeyfielddevelopments in Nelson

• Ensure a range of affordablealternatives to residential careand inappropriate housing forolder people

1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9Appropriate, affordablehousing is a keydeterminant of health.Takes account of socialneeds and earlier onset ofage-related disabilitiesexperienced by some olderMaori

• Identification of policygaps and options forintersectoral work• More older peoplehave access toappropriate supportedliving conditions• More older Maorihave access to culturallyacceptable housingoptions

• Ongoing work

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1 0 P O S I T I V E A G E I N G S T R AT E G Y A C T I O N P L A N

Health(MoH)

Pacific Health andDisability Action Plan• Identify the key issuesfor addressingaccessibility andacceptability of servicesfor Pacific elders• Develop policy andguidelines for use oftraditional remedies

• Develop a best-practice modelincluding cultural competency• Improve and maintain socialand cultural support for Pacificelders• Develop policy relating to thehealth of Pacific elders• Assist mainstream services toprovide culturally appropriateservices for Pacific elders andtheir families

1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10To inform policy and serviceprovision for Pacific elderswhich recognises that theirresponsibilities increasewith age and the poorhealth status and disabilityburden experienced bymany Pacific elders

• The key issues forPacific elders areidentified• Ongoing work todetermine action toachieve the objectives

• Key issues for Pacific eldersare identified and objectivesset by July 2001• Time frame for action andguidance to DHBs isdetermined

Health(MoH)

Maori Health Strategy• Distribution anddissemination of theStrategy – June 2001

• Establish a framework foraction on Maori health• Provide guidance and directionto the sector on the principles ofthe Treaty of Waitangi andimproving Maori whanau healthoutcomes

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 10To achieve whanau ora –ensure families aresupported to achievemaximum health (includingolder people)

• Relevant specificmeasures to bedeveloped for inclusionin tool kits

• Ongoing development ofguidance for DHBs

Housing(Ministry ofSocial Policyand HousingNew ZealandCorporation –HNZC)

Mental health andhousing

Improve outcomes for peoplewith mental illness by:• Improving access to andretention of appropriate housing• Improving provision and co-ordination of support services forpeople independently housed

1, 2, 9, 10Issues for older people withmental health conditionswill be addressed withinintersectoral policy work onthe housing needs ofpeople with mental illness

• Follow-up proposalsto be developed fromresponses to reportprovided to Cabinet inDec 2000

• Further report to beprovided to Cabinet by May2001

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Housing(HNZC)

Maori housing Encourage the development andgrowth of kaumatua housing by:• Increasing the number ofpurpose-built houses for olderpeople• Alleviating poor housingconditions among Maori inpoorer rural areas throughdevelopment of Special HousingAction Zones

1, 2, 5, 7, 9Takes account of the wishesof Maori to improvehousing conditions in theirown local communities

• Follow-up proposalsto be developed fromresponses to MaoriHousing Strategyprovided to Minister ofHousing for hisconsideration

• Follow-up proposals to bedeveloped from responses toMaori Housing Strategyprovided to Minister ofHousing for his consideration

Housing(HNZC)

State housing income-related rents andneeds-basedallocation of tenancies

• Maintain income-related rentsfor low-income tenants of state-owned housing, and allocate onthe basis of need

1, 2, 9, 10Recognises that olderpeople may have specialhousing needs in income-to-rent ratios, health andother special housingrequirements

• All eligible statehouse tenants havebeen contacted andoffered the opportunityto apply for income-related rents• New tenanciesallocated on basis ofneed

• Policy became operationalon 1 Dec 2000• Social allocation model tobe reviewed:Aug 2001 – interimNov 2001 – final

Housing(HNZC)

Home ownershipassistance for low-and medium-incomeearners

• Assist low- and medium-income earners to achieve homeownership

1, 2, 9, 10Older people are not aspecific target group, butwill be eligible forassistance

• Proposals developedby 31 Dec 2001

• Proposals developed by 31Dec 2001

Housing(HNZC)

Local governmentpartnerships

• Identify fruitful partnershipmodels/options between centraland local government and thevoluntary sector that can improvesocial housing outcomes

1, 2, 9, 10Some local governmentshave a major role inproviding housing for low-income older people

• Proposals developed • Proposals to be developed

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Immigration(Dept ofLabour –New ZealandImmigrationService)

Extension of visitorvisa provisions• Look at feasibility anddesirability of extendingvisitor visas

• Enable people to stay in NZ onvisitor visas for longer periodseach year• Help to address the fact thatNZ does not have retirement visas

1, 2, 3, 4, 10Recognition of changinglifestyle needs of olderpersons. While notspecifically aimed at olderpeople, this is likely to bethe most interested group

• Aim to have Ministeragreement mid to late2001

• Implementation ofextended visitor visaprovisions by end of 2001

InternalAffairs(New ZealandFire ServiceCommission –Fire Service)

Fire prevention andawareness

• Assist the ageing to live safelyand independently

1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9Continue to developspecific fire awarenessprogrammes targeting theageing

• Continue the trial ofthe Confident LivingProgramme inconjunction with thePolice• Data analysis projectis complete andindicates the ageing asa vulnerable group• Survey workcomplete andpromotional plan beingdeveloped

• Promotional plancompleted by July 2001• Analysis of the trial of theConfident Living Programmedetermines effectiveness• Expansion of ConfidentLiving Programme to otherregions

InternalAffairs(Fire Service)

Fire safety forbuildings

• Enhance the fire safety inresidential and residential carefacilities for the ageing

1, 2, 9,Develop standards for theintroduction of innovativebuilding fire safety systemsfor residential care facilitiesfor the ageing

• Standard for thedomestic sprinklersystem is finalised• Corridor smokedetector system for resthomes is available forimplementation

• Standard finalised by Jan2002• Statistics on theimplementation of thecorridor smoke detectorsystem collated by Jan 2002

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InternalAffairs(Fire Service)

Fire safety for Maoriand Pacific peoples• Research complete andprogrammedevelopment underway• Iwi liasion programmecurrently beingexpanded to includemore regions• Trial in Bay-Waikatoand Wellington wellestablished andassessment beingundertaken

• Ensure fire safety for Maori andother culturally diverse groups

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10Fire safety awareness willcontribute to wellbeing ofolder people and theirfamilies

• Implementationunderway for specificAgeing Promotionstrategy• Continued researchon prevention forculturally diversegroups• Continued analysis ofthe fire risk facingMaori

• Fire awareness programmefor the ageing to be releasedby July 2001• Expansion of iwi liasionprogramme to an additionaltwo regions• Specific programmes forMaori in place by July 2001

InternalAffairs(Departmentof InternalAffairs)

Lottery Aged Funding• Promotion anddistribution ofinformation and adviceto enable equitableaccess to Lottery GrantsFunding for senior NZers

Enables senior NZers to engagein active, educative, and positiveactivity in their communities ofchoice by:• Home based support includingdisability support• Skills development such asSenior Net• Enabling senior NZers to remainpart of their community

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10Lottery Aged fundingavailable to organisationsthat provide services toolder people

• Monitoring ofapplication andfunding allocationdistribution and spread• Applicant satisfactionsurveys• Targeted seniorcommunities areaccessing information,advice and funding

• Ongoing. Under theLottery Funding criteriaeligible organisations areentitled to apply for fundingon an annual basis

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InternalAffairs(InternalAffairs)

CommunityOrganisations GrantsSchemes (COGS)• Promotion anddistribution ofinformation and adviceto enable older NZers toparticipate in COGS andachieve equitable accessto COGS funding fororganisations thatengage in support anddevelopment with olderNZers

Contribute to the achievementof social, cultural and economicequity and justice for sociallydisadvantaged communitiesincluding older NZers by:• Including older people in COGSdecision-making• Targeting support to serviceswhich provide social contact• Practical assistance and supportorganisational infrastructure

1, 2, 3, 4, 7Provision of funding tocommunity organisationsmay increase opportunitiesfor participation of olderpeople

• COGS monitoringsurveys report olderNZers are participatingin COGS local, regionaland national processes• Public accountabilityfeedback fromapplicants tocommitteesdemonstrates COGSgrants are achievingsuccessful outcomesfor older NZers

• Ongoing. The COGSkaupapa specifies "elderly"as a target population.Organisations providingservices for and with seniorNZers are entitled to apply forfunding on an annual basis

Justice(Ministry ofJustice)

Retirement villages • Review the law relating toretirement villages

1, 9To ensure adequateprotection for residents ofretirement villages

• Identify ongoingproblems that can arisefor retirement villageresidents• Identify possiblesolutions to addressthese concerns

• Preliminary report to theMinister of Justice seekingdirection for further workprovided by Feb 2001• The time-tabling of anyfurther work will depend ondirection received from theMinister and this Ministry'swork priorities

Justice(Justice)

Guardianship Review • Review the laws relating toguardianship, custody andaccess, including the role ofgrandparents and other olderfamily members in guardianshipmatters

2, 5, 6To ensure that familyrelationships with olderpeople are considered inany review of the lawsabout guardianship,custody and access

• Identify issuessurrounding the rolesand responsibilities ofgrandparents and otherolder relatives inguardianship matters• Identify possibleoptions for change toaddress these issues

• Report to the AssociateMinister of Justice onpreferred options for changeprovided March 2001• Follow-up work dependenton Ministerial decisions

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Justice(Justice)

Re-evaluation ofhuman rightsprotection in NewZealand

• Strengthen the various legal,policy and institutionalframeworks for the protection ofhuman rights. This includes therights of people (such as olderpeople) who might be liable todiscrimination

1, 2, 3, 4This project is not directlyconcerned with the rightsor interests of older people. However, to the extent thatit leads to a generalstrengthening of thehuman rights environment,it could contribute toPositive Ageing

• Identify human rightsdiscrimination issuesthat are relevant toolder people, either asa specific group or asmembers of thecommunity• Identify options foraddressing these issues

• Reports provided to theAssociate Minister of Justiceand Cabinet in April/May2001 about progress inaddressing inconsistencieswith the Human Rights Actand proposals to reform NZ'shuman rights protections• Follow-up work dependenton Ministerial decisions

Labour(Departmentof Labour –DoL –EmploymentRelationsService –ERS)

Mediation Services• Help employees,employers and unionsresolve employmentrelationship problems.This includesdiscrimination based onage (ERA s104 & 105)

• Mediation Services provideinformation and problemresolution services that are timelyand free

1If an employee believes thatthey have beendiscriminated against onthe basis of age, they canuse Mediation Services tohelp resolve the issue withtheir employer

• The EmploymentRelations Act 2000(ERA) builds productiveemploymentrelationships throughthe promotion of trustand confidence in allaspects of theemploymentenvironment and theemploymentrelationship

• Ongoing service

Labour(DoL – ERS)

Information services• Free phone line toprovide informationabout employmentissues

• Provide information aboutemployment issues• Direct enquiries to othersuitable services, eg MediationServices, Labour Inspectors

1Providing informationabout employment rights(eg right not to bediscriminated againstbecause of age) empowersolder workers

• The ERA aims to buildproductiveemploymentrelationships throughthe promotion of trustand confidence in allaspects of theemploymentenvironment and theemploymentrelationship

• Ongoing service

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Labour(DoL – ERS)

Retirement ages ofEmployment Courtjudges• S205 of theEmployment RelationsAct 2000 requires thatjudges must retire at 68years of age

• Use Compliance 2001 Auditprocess to resolve discriminationissues relating to mandatoryretirement of statutory officers

2Mandatory retirementreduces opportunities forolder people to participate

• Compliance 2001Audit process willconsider this issue• The Act will beconsistent with theHuman Rights Act non-discriminationprovisions

• Compliance 2001 Auditprocess will be reporting toMinisters on 1 March 2001• Follow-up work dependenton Ministers’ decisions

Labour(DoL – ERS)

Equal EmploymentOpportunities (EEO)Contestable Fund• Funds projects andresearch relating to EEO.Older workers are oneof the EEO target groups

• Encourage private sectoremployers to provide equalemployment opportunities to allemployees

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7Diversity at all levels of theworkforce benefits bothemployees andorganisations. PromotingEEO good practice in allareas of work provides anenvironment where morepeople can achieve theirpotential

• Production ofresources and/orresearch that promoteschange and/or fills EEOinformation gaps

• Distribution of funding tosuccessful project in the2000/2001 funding round

Labour(DoL – ERS)

MinimumEmploymentStandards Review EEO• An advisory group willbe appointed to look atoptions for improvingEEO in New Zealand

• Review of current EEOlegislation and practice todevelop options for a better EEOframework

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8EEO is about all people,regardless of age, culture,gender or disabilities, beinggiven equal employmentopportunities

• Identification ofimprovements that canbe made to EEO in NewZealand

• Advisory groups will beestablished and confirm theirterms of reference. Thereview will commence in2001

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Labour(DoL – ERS)

MinimumEmploymentStandards Review• An advisory group willbe appointed to look atoptions for clarifying theHolidays Act 1981.Special Leave is currentlyavailable to employeesto care for sickdependants, parents,spouse etc (s30 HolidaysAct 1981)

• Review of current Holiday Actprovisions to clarify entitlements

2, 4The ability to take leave tolook after a sick spouse orparents increasescommunity involvement incaring for older people bychildren and spouses

• Identification ofimprovements that canbe made to theHolidays Act 1981

• Advisory groups will beestablished and confirm theirterms of reference. Thereview will commence in2001

Labour(DoL –OccupationalSafety andHealth –OSH)

Health and Safety inEmployment Act (HSE)Review

• Clarify the duties of variousparties under the Act• Equal coverage of all types ofemployees• Encourage compliance• Solve operational problems

1, 2 • Analysis ofsubmissions completed• Legislation draftedand proceeds throughParliamentary process

• Public submissions close 28Feb 2001• Priority 2 on legislativecalendar

Labour(DoL – OSH)

HSE ReviewSub-project: volunteerworkers/public safety

• Clarify rights and duties ofemployers, employees,volunteers, those near/affectedby work activity

1, 2 • Clearer, morecomprehensivecoverage of thevolunteer workforce

• Project milestones achieved

Labour(DoL – OSH)

HSE ReviewSub-project: reviewcurrent limitation periodon laying charges

• Current limitation periodinflexible, which prevents chargesbeing laid for longer latencyillness that affects people later inlife

1, 2 • More health casestaken• Fewer prosecutionsbarred due to inflexibletime limit

• Project milestones achieved

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)






Labour(DoL – OSH)

Injury Data Review • Establish an injury database forall agencies collecting health andsafety statistics

1 • Comprehensive injurydatabase established• Analysis of ongoingtrends in health andsafety, impacts andincidence of injury andillness

• By the end of March 2001high-level indicators andcriteria for InformationManager established

LocalGovernment(Departmentof InternalAffairs)

Review of the LocalGovernment Act 1974

• Develop a more broadlyempowering legislativeframework under which localauthorities can better meet theneeds of their communities,including the needs of agedmembers of their communities

1, 3, 9, 10Improve the capacity ofcommunities to effectappropriate changes to therange of outcomestargeted by their localauthorities

• Development ofrobust policy options

• Policy developmentcompleted June 2001• Public consultationcompleted July 2001• Introduction of legislationDec 2001• Enactment of legislationJune 2002

LocalGovernment(InternalAffairs)

Funding PowersReview• Review of the RatesRebate Act 1973

• Identify appropriate means ofdelivering rates payment supportto property owners on lowincomes

2, 928% of beneficiaries of theRates Rebate Scheme areNZ superannuitants

• Development ofrobust policy options

• Identify and evaluate policyoptions by Feb 2001• Follow-up work dependenton Ministerial decisions

MaoriAffairs(Te PuniKokiri –TPK)

Capacity building • Build the infrastructure of Maoricommunities to lay thefoundations for economicdevelopment

2, 5, 9Positive benefits for thecommunity should impacton whanau within thatcommunity

• Number of projectsfunded

• Will vary with each project

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)






MaoriAffairs(TPK)

Monitoringmainstream policythat impacts on Maori• To ensure allgovernment-levelmainstream policy thatimpacts on Maori ismonitored on outputsand/or outcomes

• Identify barriers that may existfor older Maori

7 • Te Puni Kokiri willinform agencies aboutperformance in termsof positive outcomesfor Maori

• Dependent upon prioritylevel

NationalLibrary(NationalLibrary)

Information services• A policy for equitableaccess to information forpeople within NewZealand

• Identify barriers that may existfor people to access information,including issues specific to olderpeople• Identify associated policy issues• Identify options forinterventions

1, 2Access to relevantinformation resources isnecessary to supportindependent and informeddecision-making by olderpeople

• Barriers to access byolder people identified• Policy issues identified• Relevant andachievableinterventions identified

• Research into issuesaffecting equity completedby June 2001• Policy statement(s)completed by Dec 2001

Pacific IslandAffairs(Ministry ofPacific IslandAffairs –MPIA)

Pacific capacitybuilding

• Strengthen the capabilities andcapacity of Pacific families andcommunities to achieve theirown aspirations, which areconsistent with theGovernment's objectives

1, 2, 3, 6, 7Will ensure that policyaffecting older peopleconsiders the needs andpriorities as identified byPacific communities, and isinclusive of the diverseperspectives of older Pacificpeople, their families andcommunities

• Ministry of PacificIsland Affairs has amonitoring frameworkthat includes a report-back quarterly toDepartment of PrimeMinister and Cabinet

• Ongoing

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)






Pacific IslandAffairs(MPIA)

Strategies for Pacificpeoples

• Work collaboratively and inpartnership with othergovernment agencies on Pacificstrategies such as the PacificHealth Action Plan and the PacificHousing Strategy

1, 2, 3, 6, 7Will ensure that policyaffecting older peopleconsiders the needs andpriorities as identified byPacific communities, and isinclusive of the diverseperspectives of older Pacificpeople, their families andcommunities

• Criteria and measureswill be developed foreach strategy andmonitored byresponsible agencies.In addition, MPIA isdeveloping amonitoring framework

• Ongoing

Police(New ZealandPolice)

Communitypartnerships

• Provide support to thecommunity throughpartnerships, education, crimeprevention and youthprogrammes

1, 9Security and crimeprevention is a majorconcern for older people

• Set of criteriameasured annually,including numbers offormal crimeprevention talks given,and numbers ofawareness andcommunityinformation servicesprovided. Measures donot break down to thelevel of serviceprovision to targetgroups such as olderpeople

• Ongoing

Revenue(InlandRevenueDepartment –IRD)

Tax treatment ofretirement villages• Clarify the treatmentunder the accrual rulesand for GST• Possible distribution ofan issues paper forconsultation withinterested parties

• Provide certainty for developers,administrators and residents ofretirement villages

9Inform decisions relating toliving within the retirementvillage environment

• Identification of policyissues and possiblepolicy options forfurther work

• Completion of initialresearch and analysis by Dec2001

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)






Revenue(IRD)

Taxation ofsuperannuation funds• Advise on theimplications of a TET(Tax/Exempt/Tax) regimefor superannuationfunds

• Provide advice to the Ministerof Finance and Revenue, and tothe Tax Review 2001

1, 8Inform decisions regardingprovision for retirementincome

• The impacts of achange to a TET regimeare identified to informfurther policy work

• Joint IRD/Treasury report toMinister of Finance andRevenue by March 2001• Provision of policy adviceas required

Rural Affairs(Ministry ofAgricultureand Forestry –MAF)

Provision of policyadviceProvide information,analysis and policyadvice to the Minister forRural Affairs,government agencies,communityorganisations, and thegeneral public on issuesand policies as theyimpact on ruralcommunities. In thecurrent year, key workareas include health,telecommunications,digital divide, HeartlandService Centres, ACC,taxation, electricityindustry reform, anddriver licensing

• Provide timely, objective andquality information, analysis andadvice on rural policy issues• Encourage other agencies toconsult effectively with ruralgroups• Where appropriate, ensure theperspectives of rural communitiesare taken into account in policydevelopment, and made knownto Cabinet• Enhance social and economicinclusion for rural communitieswhich comprise youth, olderpeople, women, Maori, etc

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Rural citizens face anumber of "access toservices" issues not facedby their urbancounterparts. MAF RuralAffairs is charged withensuring governmentagencies and Cabinet areappraised of the impacts ofpolicies on those living inrural communities, and theextra costs associated withaccessing services

• Attainment ofperformance criteria asset out in the MAFPurchase Agreement2001/2002 betweenthe Minister for RuralAffairs and the ChiefExecutive of MAF• Specific performancecriteria include quality,coverage andtimeliness of policyadvice

• As prescribed in thePurchase Agreement, andwill vary activity to activity

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)






SeniorCitizens(SeniorCitizens Unit,Ministry ofSocial Policy –SCU, MSP)

Provision of policyadvice• Policy advice on olderpeople and ageing issuesto Minister for SeniorCitizens, governmentagencies, communityorganisations andgeneral public

• Provide accurate and relevantinformation and advice• Ensure older people'sperspectives are taken intoaccount in policy development

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Advice on older people'sissues and perspectives isimportant in ensuringdevelopment of robustpolicy

• Attainment ofmeasures in PurchaseAgreement betweenMinister for SeniorCitizens and ChiefExecutive of Ministry ofSocial Policy• Letters from Ministerfor Senior Citizensindicating satisfactionwith standards ofadvice provided

• Purchase Agreement for2001/2002 (30 June 2001)• Work report for July–Dec2001 (10 Feb 2002)• Work report for Jan–June2002 (31 July 2002)• Purchase Agreement for2002/2003 (30 June 2002)

SeniorCitizens(SCU, MSP)

VolunteersCommunityCo-ordinators (VCCs)• Maintain and furtherdevelop the nation widenetwork of VCCsestablished during theInternational Year ofOlder Persons• Work with VCCs onspecific projects, asidentified by the Ministerfor Senior Citizens

• Facilitate community input intopolicy development• Promote local positive ageinginitiatives

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10VCC network provides aneffective conduit betweenlocal communities and theSenior Citizens portfolio

• Annual report toMinister for SeniorCitizens on workundertaken by VCCsand allocation of smallgrants fund

• Workshop with VCCs,Minister and officials to planfor 2001/2002 (11 April2001)• 2000/2001 annual reportto Minister (31 July 2001)• 2001/2002 annual reportto Minister (31 July 2002)


Intergenerationalinitiatives• Promoteintergenerationalinitiatives, particularlyduring Oct 2001 (Greatsand Grands Month)

• Provide information to schoolsand older people's organisationson developing intergenerationalinitiatives• Work with Ministry of PacificIsland Affairs to identifyappropriate strategies forpromoting intergenerationalinitiatives in Pacific communities

3, 4, 5, 6, 7Attitudes about ageingstart developing inchildhood

• Survey schools aboutusage of the LinkAgeguidelines (distributedto all schools in 1999)• Involvement of Pacificcommunities indevelopment of Pacificresources

• Send information to schoolsfor Greats and Grands Month(31 July 2001)• Compile results of surveyon LinkAge guidelines (31Dec 2001)• Development of resourcesfor Pacific communities (30June 2002)

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)







InterdepartmentalNetwork on policydevelopmentsaffecting older people• Host quarterlymeetings of officialsinterested in positiveageing and olderpeople's issues

• Provide a forum to shareinformation about and discusspolicy developments affectingolder people

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Network meetings increaseinformation sharing andknowledge about ageingissues among governmentofficials

• Survey of membersseeking feedback onNetwork meetings

• Network meetings, Septand Dec 2001, Mar and June2002• Distribution of survey (Jan2002)• Collation of surveyresponses (30 Feb 2002)

SocialServices andEmployment(Departmentof Child,Youth andFamily)

Elder abuse andneglect preventionservices• Ongoing funding ofservices• Examine the nationalco-ordination model forprevention andco-ordinating responsesto incidents of elderabuse and neglect, andmake recommendationsfor future direction

• Services to prevent and respondto incidents of elder abuse andneglect

5, 6, 8,Providing services thatfocus on preventing andco-ordinating responses toincidents of elder abuseand neglect

• Continuation offunding for 22 elderabuse preventionservices

• 22 services funded

SocialServices andEmployment(Departmentof Labour –DoL –CommunityEmploymentGroup)

EmploymentInitiatives• Provision byCommunityEmployment Group offunding and support forcommunity employmentinitiatives

• Respond to needs identified bycommunities throughout NewZealand and assist communitygroups with plans to addressthose needs

2, 3, 5, 6Applications to supportcommunity-initiatedmentoring schemes thatharness the skills andexperience of older peopleare considered for fundingand support when thesearise

• Funding and supportmeets communityneeds

• Ongoing

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)






SocialServices andEmployment(DoL – LabourMarket PolicyGroup –LMPG)

Vocational ServicesPolicy and FundingReview• The terms of referencerequire considering theappropriateness ofcurrent service eligibilitycriteria, including theage criteria (16–65)

• Clarify which agency has thefunding responsibility forproviding vocational services forolder people with disabilities

1, 2, 9, 10Clarify the access (in termsof both policy and funding)to vocational services(growth, development,participation in community)by older people withdisabilities

• Clarification of policyand fundingresponsibility

• Report to Minister of SocialPolicy and Employment inMarch 2001, followed byCabinet paper in lateMarch/early April 2001

SocialServices andEmployment(DoL – LMPG)

Future of Work Project• The project will focuson future trends in work,both globally and in NZ,and their implications forthe workplace, theworkforce andemploymentopportunities. Theimpact of an ageingpopulation and anageing workforce will bea key issue along withnew technology andchanging workingarrangements

Preliminary objectives are:• Explore the impact ofobservable social trends on thelabour market• Identify those issues that willhave a significant role in shapingthe labour market in the next 5to 10 years• Develop possible policyresponses• Assess the applicability ofexisting policy

1, 4, 8, 10Most people’s experienceof employment is directlylinked to their income andability to make choices asthey age

• Identification of policygaps and possiblepolicy options forfurther work

• Identification of policy gapsand possible policy optionsfor further work inaccordance with project plan

SocialServices andEmployment(DoL – LMPG)

Closing the DigitalDivide• The project aims todevelop policy optionsto close the digital divide

• Ensure all NZers have theopportunity to access andeffectively use current andemerging information andcommunication technologies

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10Older people are identifiedas one of the relativelydisadvantaged groups inthis policy area

• Improved access tocommunicationtechnologies• Increase in interestand reduction in thenumber of older peoplewithout access tocommunicationtechnology

• Implementation of optionsto be approved in April/May2001 by Cabinet• Evaluation of approvedoptions

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)






SocialServices andEmployment(Ministry ofSocial Policy –MSP)

Positive AgeingStrategy• Monitor and review01/02 action plan• Development of 02/03action plan

• Assess progress on theimplementation of the PositiveAgeing action plan• Demonstrate Government'songoing commitment to thePositive Ageing Strategy

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Ongoing monitoring,reporting and review ofaction plan will ensureeffectiveness of strategy

• Annual report on01/02 Positive Ageingaction plan published• Positive Ageing actionplan for 02/03approved

• Annual report on 01/02Positive Ageing Strategyaction plan completed by1 Aug 2002• Positive Ageing StrategyAction plan for 02/03approved by Cabinet inMarch 2002

SocialServices andEmployment(MSP)

Positive AgeingStrategy status report• Publication of reportoutlining the currentsituation regardingpositive ageing and olderpeople in NZ

• Develop baseline report toinform policy action in relationto the Positive Ageing Strategy

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Status report providesbenchmark from which thedevelopment of the PositiveAgeing Strategy canproceed

• Status report onpositive ageing in NZpublished

• Status report on positiveageing in NZ published inSeptember 2001


Social Policy Strategy• Advice to Governmenton a recommendedsocial policy strategy

• Building a better society byensuring opportunities for all andreducing social exclusion

1, 2, 5, 6, 9Older people one of thegroups identified as at riskof social exclusion

• Social policy strategyagreed and adopted byCabinet

• Implementation of Cabinetdecisions to be madeMar/April 2001


Social Policy OutcomeIndicators

• Development of outcomeindicators to enable impact ofsocial policies to be measured

1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9Social policy outcomeindicators will contribute todata collection on thesituation of older people

• Social policy outcomeindicators agreed andpublished

• Cabinet to considerrecommendationsJuly/Aug 2001• Publications of indicatorsfollowing Cabinet decisions


Living StandardsResearch• Analysis andpublication of data fromsurvey of older peopleand working-age people

• Develop a robust measure ofthe living standards of olderpeople• Inform policy development andadvice

1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9To inform policy directedtowards achieving andmaintaining adequateliving standards of olderpeople

• Create standard-of-living scale• Living standards ofolder people describedbased on the scale

• Produce descriptive reportof living standards of olderpeople by 30 June 2001• Create generic livingstandards scale by Sept 2001

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)







Voluntary SavingsProject• Follow-up work fromproposals identified inMarch 2001 report toMSSE• Identify policy gapsand policy options forencouraging voluntarysavings

• Increase understanding on thelevels of and factors affectingvoluntary saving• Explore methods to encouragevoluntary retirement savings

1, 2, 4, 10Appropriate levels ofretirement income arenecessary to support thelifestyle choices of olderpeople

• Options developed torespond to policy gapsand possible policyoptions identified forencouraging voluntarysavings

• Options developed torespond to policy gaps andpolicy options for furtherwork by 30 June 2002


New ZealandSuperannuationLiving Alone rate• Review of eligibilitycriteria

• Ensure consistency of policy• Ensure policy supports ageingin place philosophy

1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10Living alone rate of NZSrecognises older people canlive in different andchanging circumstances

• People in similarsituations receivesimilar provisions• Clarification of criteriaresults in reduction ofappeals to SocialSecurity AppealAuthority

• Analysis of informationfrom Living Standardsresearch and other sourcesby Sept 2001• Review eligibility criteria inrelation to provision of homesupport services by 30 June2002


New ZealandSuperannuationHuman Rights Act /Bill of Rights Actissues• Implement April 2001Cabinet decisions toaddress potentialdiscrimination in rates inregard to sexualorientation

• Remove discriminatoryprovisions in NZS entitlementsrelating to treatment of same-sex couples• Ensure consistency of treatmentbetween NZS recipients andbeneficiaries

4, 10Equitable treatmentapplied to superannuitantand beneficiary same-sexcouples

• Consistency withHuman Rights Act andBill of Rights Act

• Implementation ofamended eligibility rules bydate to be agreed by Cabinetin April 2001• Transitional arrangementsimplemented by date to beagreed by Cabinet in April2001

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)







Ageing in Placeprovisions• Develop policy optionsthat facilitate ageing inplace

• Ensure the range ofentitlements and delivery ofsupplementary assistance tosuperannuitants meets the needsof current and future cohorts ofolder people

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,10Appropriate income andsocial support provisionsenable older people toremain in the communityas they age

• Supplementaryassistance forsuperannuitants meetsthe needs of olderpeople• Older people receiveassistance that enablesthem to remain in thecommunity

• Analysis of relevantinformation from LivingStandards research by 31 Dec2001• Options paper developedby 30 June 2002


Residential CareSubsidy – PersonalAllowance andClothing Allowance• Review rates ofpersonal allowance andclothing allowance

• Ensure adequacy of personalallowance and clothingallowance for recipients ofResidential Care Subsidy

1, 2, 3, 10Personal and clothingallowance assist recipientsof Residential Care Subsidyto live with dignity

• Empirical basisdeveloped for rates ofpersonal allowance andclothing allowance

• MoH completes analysis ofRCS level and purpose• Assessment of personalexpenses to be met by RCSrecipients• Empirical basis developedfor rate of personalallowance


Office of theRetirementCommissioner• Monitor and report onperformance

• Ensure education andinformation is provided on theneed to save for retirement

1, 2, 10Personal retirement savingsthat supplement NZSincrease the lifestylechoices of older people

• Conditions ofPurchase Agreementmet

• 2001/02 PurchaseAgreement signed by 30 June2001• Quarterly reports providedAug and Nov 2001; Feb andMay 2002


Review ofGuardianship Act• Follow-up action fromApril 2001 Cabinetpaper reporting onconsultation• Draft legislativechanges

• Ensure provisions ofGuardianship Act meet the needsof families today

1, 2, 3Review considers the issueof grandparents' access tograndchildren

• Amended legislationenacted

• Legislation enacted Aug2001 (proposed)

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)







Care of Children Bill• Review and combinecurrent care andprotection legislation

• Develop a comprehensive Actwith common framework forcare and custody of children

2, 3, 5, 6, 7Framework to consider therole of grandparents

• New comprehensivelegislation enacted

• Obtain final Cabinetapproval by Sept 2001• Bill introduced Nov 2001• Select Committee reportback by April 2002


Family ViolenceStrategy• Review family violenceprevention services andreport to Minister by 30June 2001

• Identify priorities, includingimplications for current andfuture family violence preventionprogrammes

1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9Elder abuse and neglectprevention servicesincluded in review

• Implementation ofaction agreed from 30June 2001 report

• Decisions implemented asdirected by Cabinet


Community policy• Ongoing relationshipbuilding

• Improve relationships betweengovernment and iwi/Maori,community and voluntaryorganisations

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Older people are active inwide range of communityand voluntary organisationsat all levels

• Any documents,protocols and reportsto identify issues forolder people

• Ongoing


Volunteers andvolunteering

• Facilitate support for volunteersand volunteerism

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Older people providesignificant volunteerservices and many alsoreceive support fromvolunteers

• Any documents,protocols and reportsto identify issues forolder people

• Ongoing


Central and localgovernmentcollaboration

• Promote models of goodpractice and partnership betweencentral and local governmentworking with communities

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Older people are involvedin wide range ofcommunity and voluntaryorganisations and in localgovernment as councillorsand clients

• Any reports preparedto identify issues forolder people

• Ongoing

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)







Civic leadership • Facilitate strategic leadershipinitiatives across the localcommunity level

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10Older people are involvedin a wide range oforganisations and providestrategic leadership in avariety of ways

• Any projectsdeveloped and reportsprepared to identifyissues for older people

• Ongoing


Human Resources• Review and updatepolicies and procedures• Recognise theimportance ofappropriatesuperannuationprovision to staff and theneed to encourage staffto save for theirretirement• Core working termsand conditions• Employee AssistanceProgramme

• Develop and implement policiesand practices that reflect aspectsof the Positive Ageing Strategy• Provide a subsidisedsuperannuation scheme to staff• Arrange regular seminars forstaff on retirement and financialplanning options• Retirement informationincorporated into inductionprogramme for new staff• Specific retirement-planningseminars identified for retiringstaff• Specific sick-leave provisionsfor care of dependants andeldercare• Approval of retiring leave forstaff permanently departing fromfull-time employment• EAP programme provided tosupport staff and dependants

1, 3, 4, 7, 8, 10Positive ageingemployment conditionsrecognise caringresponsibilities, supportpreparation for retirementand enable older people toremain in the workplace

• Policies are updatedand reflect principles• Regular seminars andindividual sessionsprovided to staff• Information ininduction programmeis kept up-to-date

• All policies and proceduresreviewed and amended by30 June 2002• Database maintained onseminars and educationprogrammes provided to staff

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)






SocialServices andEmployment(Departmentof Work andIncome –DWI)

Super Centres• Provide specialisedcase management to NZsuperannuitants• Proactively casemanage all NZsuperannuitantsreceiving supplementaryassistance• Facilitate meetings toprovide information toNZ superannuitants

• Strengthen and progresspartnerships with prioritycommunities

1, 9Enabling staff to ensurethat clients fullrequirements are met

• Monitor activity on aquarterly basis

• Ongoing

SocialServices andEmployment(DWI)

Training for staff• Specialist training tomeet the needs of olderclients

Ensure staff:• Gain an understanding ofpositive ageing and the factorsthat promote it• Demonstrate understanding ofthe impact of retirement• Respond appropriately andeffectively to the diverse needsof Super clients• Understand the nature andcauses of elder abuse and neglect

1, 3, 4, 9, 10Understanding olderpeople's needs and issuesenables staff to ensure thatclients full requirements aremet

• Staff providingservices to older clientsdemonstrate anunderstanding of theneeds of older clients

• Ongoing

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)






SocialServices andEmployment(DWI Super –Southern)

Non-qualified spouses• Contact all non-qualified spouses overthe age of 65

• Ensure non-qualified spousehouseholds are receiving their fullentitlement and give assistancewhere necessary

1, 9, 10This action assists withremoving barriers clientsmay have in approachingDWI offices. It informsclients of any additionalfunding they may beeligible for now or in thefuture, potentially givingaccess to more servicesthan they had before. Itthereby encourages andenables mature people tobe independent for longer

• Expecting andcurrently achievingincreased usage andapplication of servicesavailable to maturepeople

• Mid 2001

SocialServices andEmployment(DWI Super -Southern)

TransitionalRetirement Benefitentitlement• Contact and interviewall clients currently onUnemployment Benefitwho qualify forTransitional RetirementBenefit

• Ensure TRB households arereceiving their full entitlementand give assistance wherenecessary

1, 9, 10This action assists withremoving barriers clientsmay have in approachingDWI offices. It informsclients of any additionalfunding they may beeligible for now or in thefuture, potentially givingaccess to more servicesthan they had before. Itthereby encourages andenables mature people tobe independent for longer.

• Expecting andcurrently achievingincreased usage andapplication of servicesavailable to maturepeople

• Mid 2001

PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)





SocialServices andEmployment(DWI Super –Southern)

Baby BoomersInitiative

• Prepare for and createstrategies for the increase indemand of services

1, 9, 10Enabling staff to ensurethat clients fullrequirements are met

• Maintain or improvecurrent levels of serviceprovision

• Ongoing

SocialServices andEmployment(DWI Super –AucklandCentral)

Pacific peoplesseminars

• Assist with Pacific people whowant to relocate back to theirhome Pacific Islands to retire

1, 7, 10Acknowledging andcatering for the needs ofolder Pacific people

• Putting processes inplace to assist Pacificpeople in this position

• Ongoing


Maori kaumatuaconnections

• Link Maori kaumatua back intotheir local iwi and whakapapa

5, 7Support Maori by linkingthem back into empatheticcommunities

• Improved quality oflife for older Maori

• Ongoing


Widows entitlement • Call in all superannuitant clientswhose spouse passed away inthe last 12 months and ensurethey are receiving their full andcorrect entitlement. Increase theclient's awareness oforganisations that can assistthem

1, 8, 10As the majority of clients inthis situation are women,their particular needs areimportant to assisting themin adjusting to living alone

• Increase in thenumber of claims andcorrect entitlements

• Ongoing


Clients caring forgrandchildren

• Ensure grandparents who havetheir grandchildren living withthem are receiving their fullentitlement

2, 5, 6Strengthens extendedfamilies

• Increases insupplementaryentitlements

• Ongoing


PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)





SocialServices andEmployment(DWI Super –AucklandNorth)

Super training andemployment

• Encourage and assist olderpeople who are interested inreturning to work

1, 2, 3, 4, 10Emphasising the strengthsof mature workers andproviding appropriatetraining for those interestedin re-entering theworkforce

• Increase numbers ofolder peopleparticipating in theworkforce. Increasednumbers of olderpeople with a higherstandard of living

• Ongoing

SocialServices andEmployment(DWI Super –Wellington)

Joint home visits• Incorporating allresidents in a particularstreet

• Increase coverage ofsuperannuitants and reach thosewho often miss out throughnormal contacts

1, 9Enabling staff to ensurethat clients fullrequirements are met in anenvironment that iscomfortable for the clients.Increases the client'sknowledge of others wholive nearby, making themfeel more secure

• Improved quality oflife for older clients• Increase in thenumber of claims andcorrect entitlements

• Ongoing

SocialServices andEmployment(DWI Super –Canterbury)

90+ years home visits • Ensure older superannuitantclients are receiving their full andcorrect entitlement. Increase theclients’ awareness oforganisations that can assistthem

9Through receiving fullentitlements

• Improved accuracy ofentitlement• Increased applicationfor supplementaryassistance

• Complete visits mid 2001


Home visits• To the blind, house-bound and recently outof hospital• Christchurch CityCouncil Flats –Residential loungeseminars

• Ensure superannuitant clientsare receiving their full and correctentitlement. Increase the clients’awareness of organisations thatcan assist them in anenvironment they arecomfortable with

9Through receiving fullentitlements


• Ongoing


PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)






Basic training forMethodist Missionstaff

• Enable a wider audience thatis not normally seen learn moreabout their possible entitlements

1, 9Through receiving fullentitlements


• Ongoing


Nga Whare MahanaMarae – pilot

• Provide assistance andinformation on energy-efficientmeasures in housing to reducepower usage

1, 5, 9Giving choices and optionsin reducing long-termexpenditure on power

• Decreased number ofapplications foremergency assistancedue to betterbudgeting

• Mid 2001


Seminars to solicitors • Clarify policies on gifting ofmoney, discussing alternativeentitlements, ensuring olderpeople are not disadvantaged

1Ensuring that older peopleare not disadvantaged dueto their financialcircumstances

• Decreased number ofapplications foremergency assistancedue to betterbudgeting

• Extend programme in thecoming year to bankingorganisations. At least 4 suchseminars to be run


Community liaisonrole

• Ensure needs of clients are metby having full knowledge of whatis available in the community andworking in co-operation withcommunity groups to inform awider client audience of theirentitlements

1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10Enabling staff to ensurethat clients’ fullrequirements are met in anenvironment that iscomfortable for the clientsthrough community groups

• Decreased number ofapplications foremergency assistancedue to betterbudgeting• Improved accuracy ofentitlement• Increased applicationfor supplementaryassistance

• Ongoing


PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)





SocialServices andEmployment(DWI)

Mature Job SeekersEmployment Initiative• A Budget 2000initiative

• The development, design andintroduction of 4 small-scale localpilot initiatives for matureworkers that will aim to identifyand respond to the needs ofmature job seekers

1, 2, 3, 4To lead to the developmentof initial DWI policy andoperational responses tothe needs of the growingnumber of matureunemployed job seekers

• Identification,implementation andevaluation of the pilots

• Project frameworkcomplete for each pilot(project brief, programmeobjectives, work breakdownstructure, evaluationframework all developed)

Sport,Fitness andLeisure(HillaryCommission)

Kiwi Seniors physicalactivity programme

• Provide opportunities for olderNZers to increase activity levelsat the regional level throughongoing programmes and events

1, 3, 4, 10The sedentary nature of ourlifestyles makes increasingactivity levels a priority forpresent and future olderNZers

• Core Kiwi Seniorsprogrammesoperational in each ofthe 17 regional sportstrusts withopportunities providedfor walking, exercise tomusic, water activities,line dancing and sitdancing

• Regional sports trusts reportto the Hillary Commission at6, 9 and 12 months duringthe financial year

StateServices(State ServicesCommission)

Public sectoremployment practice• Monitor humanresources strategies, EEOplans and collectiveagreements in relationto employment of olderpeople

• Ensure that public sectoremployment practices are notageist

1, 2, 3To ensure older people havethe opportunity toparticipate in employmentin the public sector and tocontribute to the widersociety through thatemployment

• Non-ageistemployment practices

• Ongoing


PORTFOLIO(DEPT.)





Statistics(StatisticsNew Zealand –SNZ)

Data collection• Interviewing trainingincludes module oninterviewing olderpeople• Collection of date ofbirth or age in SNZ socialsurveys, where relevant• Household LabourForce Survey uses specialletter and shortenedinterview forrespondents over 65 yrswho are not in paid work

• Recognise older people as aparticular group of respondentswith their own special needs• Encourage good-quality datacollection from older people

2, 4Older people are a distinct,important and growingpopulation group, and thecollection of good-qualityinformation on them andtheir lives is essential

• Acceptable levels ofresponse from olderpeople• Good-qualityinformation collected• Minimal number ofcomplaints from olderpeople or their relatives

Monthly, quarterly and end-of-financial-year monitoringof:• Survey response levels byage group, where possible• Data quality• Complaint levels

Statistics(SNZ)

Data integration• Acknowledge date ofbirth as a key integratingvariable and evaluate itsquality as major socialadministrative datasetsare evaluated• Improve consistencybetween administrativedatasets across centralgovernment agencies

• Improve the quantity andquality of statistical informationavailable on older people fromcentral government'sadministrative datasets

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A large amount ofinformation is held onadministrative datasets, butthe ability to producestatistics from them islimited by data qualityissues and inconsistencybetween datasets

• Implementation ofdata integration workprogramme approvedby Minister of Statisticsand Minister of SocialServices andEmployment in July2000

• Achievement of dataintegration milestonedeliverables on time as perdata integration project plans


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Statistics(SNZ)

Publication ofstatistics• Provide advice (anddata) as input to therecommended PositiveAgeing Strategy statusreport on ageing in NZ,to be produced by theMinistry of Social Policy(MSP)• Include in 2001 Censusoutput plans the needfor data on differentgroups in the upper ageranges• Produce data on olderpeople as part ofstandard output fromsample surveys, wheresample size permits• Produce populationestimates andprojections by age, sexand ethnicity• Policy of not using theword "elderly" inpublished output• Recognise need todisseminate data tousers without Internetaccess

• Make available good-quality,relevant data on older people• Provide older people withaccess to official statisticalinformation

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8If a full picture of the totalNZ population is to beobtained from officialstatistics, good-qualityrelevant data needs to beproduced on older people,and older people need tohave access to it

• Good-quality adviceand as full a range ofdata as possibleprovided as input to theMSP's proposed statusreport• Specifications fortables by detailed agegroups provided for inCensus output planand tables produced• Data on older peopleincluded as standardoutput of all SNZsurveys• Population estimatesand projectionsprovided by age, sexand ethnicity• The word "elderly" isnot used in SNZpublications orpublished output• Alternatives towebsite used fordissemination of data,including hard copy

• Advice and data providedto meet MSP timetable• Census tables produced ontime according to finalisedoutput plan• Tables produced on timeaccording to each survey'soutput timetable• Estimates and projectionsproduced on time• Ongoing monitoring andchecking by editorial staff• Information regularlyproduced by means otherthan the web (eg books inpublic libraries)


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Statistics(SNZ)

Human Resourcepolicies• Family-friendly policiesrecognise eldercare as aresponsibility of staffmembers• Collect data on age ofapplicants for EEOmonitoring purposes

• Minimise conflict between SNZstaff's paid work responsibilitiesand their responsibilities to carefor older family members• Draw on the skills andexperience of older peoplewithout age being seen or usedas a "barrier" to employment

1, 2, 3, 4, 10Older people have specialneeds for care that willneed to be provided byfamily (staff) members fromtime to time. They alsohave special skills andabilities that SNZ can accessthrough employment (egthe high number ofinterviewers who are 60+)

• Promulgate family-friendly policies to staffand ensure they areadhered to• Ensure staff aretrained in EEO-awareadvertising, short-listing and interviewingprocedures• Collect and analysedata on characteristicsof job applicants

• Ongoing availability offamily-friendly policy to staff• Ongoing monitoring ofadvertising, short-listing andinterviewing practices• Ongoing collection andannual analysis ofcharacteristics of jobapplicants

Transport(LandTransportSafetyAuthority –LTSA)

Austroads project onhighway design forolder drivers• Develop guidelines andrecommendations foruse by traffic and roadengineers on designsolutions to helpfacilitate improved safetyoutcomes for older drivers

• Provide guidelines to roaddesigners and managers

9 • Use of the guidelines • Austroads will release theguidelines when developed

Transport(LTSA)

Austroads project onreassessmentprocedures for olderdrivers.• Contribute to theidentification anddevelopment of a moreefficient and effectiveapproach to driverlicensing reassessment

• Develop a more efficient andeffective approach to driverlicensing reassessment

2, 4 • Contribution to theproject that reflects theneeds of NZ's olderdrivers• Participation incurrent Pilot Study ofscreening devices

• Government to consideradvice on reassessmentprocedures, when availableNB: A "Model LicenceReassessment Procedure forOlder and Disabled Drivers" hasrecently been released as aresult of this project.


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Transport(LTSA)

"Retiring FromDriving"* – a guide forolder drivers• Develop, produce andtrial a booklet resourcefor older drivers*This is a working title only

Provide a resource for olderdrivers that will:• Outline options• Outline the 80+ licence testrequirements• Provide a road rule refresher

1, 4, 10 • Once developed theresource will belaunched, trialledregionally andevaluated for possiblenationwide use

• Trial resource developedand launched March 2001• Resource Trial completedJune 2001• Evaluated and, if successful,launched nationwide2001/2002

Transport(Ministry ofTransport –MoT)

New ZealandTransport Strategy• Develop a Vision forTransport• Identify transportneeds• Develop strategy

• Develop a Transport Strategythat incorporates the needs ofusers and providers, and prioritystrategies to address these needs

1, 2, 4, 9, 10 • Identification of therole transport has toplay in achieving theobjectives of positiveageing• Identification ofstrategies that respondto the transport-relatedneeds for positiveageing

• Develop a complete stageone of New ZealandTransport Strategy, July 2002

Transport(MoT)

Driver LicensingReview• Review the testingregime and costs of thedriver licensing system,including those relatingto older drivers

• Identify options to improve thecurrent testing regime and costsfor driver licensing, includingthose relating to older drivers

1, 3, 10 • Identification of issuesrelating to older driverlicensing• Providing relevantadvice to Governmenton older drivers as partof the Driver LicensingReview

• Government to consideradvice on Driver LicensingReview 2001

Veterans'Affairs(Office ofVeterans'Affairs –OVA)

Case management ofveterans

• Explore options for casemanagement of veterans

1, 2, 9Access to appropriate careand support is critical toenable veterans to live asatisfying life within theircommunity

• Identification of fullycosted options

• Identification of fully costedoptions by May 2002


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Veterans'Affairs(OVA)

Commemorations • Explore options forcommemorating the contributionveterans have made to NZ

3Recognition of the positivecontribution made byveterans

• Identification of fullycosted options for aprogramme ofcommemoration

• Identification of fully costedoptions by Nov 2001

Veterans'Affairs(OVA)

Veterans' PensionReview

• Explore options for including aflexible stand-down period andrehabilitation provisions into theveterans' pension

1, 10The flexibility to makechoices and managelifestyle is critical to living asatisfying life

• Identification of policyand legislative options

• Identification of policy andlegislative options by Sept2001

Women'sAffairs(Ministry ofWomen'sAffairs)

Women's HealthStrategy• A strategycomplementary to theNZ Health Strategy beingdeveloped inconjunction with theMinistry of Health

• Contribute towardsGovernment's outcomes forwomen• Improved quality of life for allwomen, regardless of theirethnicity, age, and locality• Equitable and timely access tosafe, affordable and appropriatehealth services is available to allwomen

1, 4, 8, 9Issues of particularrelevance to older womenwill be included in thestrategy

• Finalisation ofWomen's HealthStrategy• Agreement withMinistry of Health isreached onimplementation ofstrategy

• Development of strategy by30 June 2001• Monitoring issues arisingfrom the Women's HealthStrategy – timeframes to befinalised


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Documents

people can age positively. - MSD · ACTION(S) OBJECTIVE(S) LINK TO PRINCIPLE(S) AND RATIONALE CRITERIA/MEASURES OF ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVE KEY MILESTONES AND TIMEFRAMES POSITIVE