Scott Simpson Coromandel MP

The Coromandel electorate has the second highest percentage of 64-plus year olds in the country. We also have the highest percentage of residents in the 50-64 years age bracket, which means during the next few decades, our senior population will become even greater when the large population of baby boomers reaches retirement.

So I was delighted to welcome the Honourable Jo Goodhew to Katikati last week. The Minister for Senior Citizens, Minister for the Voluntary and Community Sector and Associate Health Minister met with members of the senior community at the Katikati War Memorial Hall and we enjoyed some lively discussion.

Our aging population presents challenges Government, both at a national and a local level, as well as those who work in the area of elderly care. But it also presents opportunities, as a more active, healthier, older population makes its presence felt in our workplaces and our communities.

With this in mind, it was heartening to hear the Minister talking about what we are currently doing to plan for these changes. The Minister has identified three priority areas within which to champion positive ageing:

• Employment of mature workers - encouraging flexible work options and opportunities for older workers to remain in work.
• Changing attitudes about ageing - promoting inter-generational programmes and reinforcing the important contribution older people make to their communities.
• Protecting the rights and interests of older people - by raising awareness of elder abuse and neglect prevention.

Just last week we launched a new website that will make it easier for New Zealanders to find rest home information, including audit reports.During time, this will provide a much clearer picture of how rest homes operate and the care provided to residents.

The Minister has also recently announced an additional $20 million funding boost for home care services to help older New Zealanders remain in their own homes for longer. An additional $9 million per year has been allocated to support rural GPs which will ensure older people continue to have access to local health care services in their communities.

The seniors, the Minister and I met, have a great deal to offer in terms of ways Government can continue to improve the levels of support provided to older New Zealanders to encourage independence and participation in the community.

I certainly look forward to further conversations on this very important topic as the Government continues to deliver, to our commitments, New Zealand's Positive Aging Strategy.