Age-friendly Taupō District
At present, 17.2 per cent of the population in the Taupō District is over 65 years of age. This is estimated to rise to 29.8 per cent of the population by 2033. To find out how we can make the Taupō District more age-friendly, we helped organise a steering committee to represent older people.
The committee involves various community groups, service providers and individuals working with or for older people in our district. Their purpose is to look at areas that can be improved for older people. The aim is to find out what needs to be done to improve our district's age-friendliness.
What is age friendliness?
The concept of age-friendliness was developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It encourages active ageing by utilising opportunities for health and community participation. It also looks at security to improve the quality of life for older people.
Eight areas are identified as influencing the health and quality of life for older people:
- Outdoor spaces and buildings
- Transportation
- Housing
- Social Participation
- Respect and social inclusion
- Civic participation and employment
- Communication and information
- Community support and health services
In practical terms, an age-friendly town adapts its structures and services to be accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs and capacities.
Objectives
The first focus area for the committee is transport and mobility. A transport survey was circulated and feedback indicated a high percentage of seniors and those with mobility issues find transportation inadequate.
The older road users refresher course for drivers over 65 was launched after this. This free course covers road rules, safety and the affect the aging process can have on your driving. The course is classroom based, not a practical driving test, and is facilitated by driving instructor.
For more information, give us a call on 07 376 0899.
The other main concern for older people in the district is seating. Following on from discussions, it has been agreed that one of the major supermarket chains will create seating for older people in local stores. Seating has also been provided in some of the parks and recreational areas in the district.
Contact
For more information on age friendliness in the Taupō District, please contact info@taupo.govt.nz or phone 07 376 0899.
Housing for older people
We administer 55 pensioner units in the Taupō District. The units range in size from one to two bedrooms and include a kitchen, bathroom, lounge and dining facilities. The aim of the amenities is to allow older people to live independent lives within their communities in safe, healthy and affordable homes.
Pensioner unit locations
Taupō
We administer 40 pensioner units in two locations in Taupō. 29 units are located in a complex on the corner of Rifle Range Road and Konini Street, opposite the Paetiki Shopping Centre. 11 units are situated in Woodward Street, Nukuhau.
Tenants each have their own small gardens at the back and front of the unit. Most units have single bedrooms but four units have double bedrooms. Each unit has a separate kitchen, bathroom and lounge dining areas. There is an active Neighbourhood Watch Group on site.
Tūrangi
Called the Tūrangi Retirement Complex, these six pensioner units are located in Wharepapa Close. There are six units: four one-bedroom units and two two-bedroom units.
Mangakino
We administer 11 single pensioner units in Karamu Street, Mangakino, close to the shopping centre. Each unit has a bedroom, with separate kitchen and lounge dining area.
Eligibility criteria
In order to be eligible for one of the pensioner units, you must meet the following criteria:
- Only persons with assets below those stated are eligible to apply:
- Single - $15,000.00 Couple - $20,000.00
- (Car, furniture, and personal effects not included)
- To qualify the applicant(s) must be the age of sixty-five (65) and be in receipt of a benefit such as Invalids, Widows, Transitional, Emergency or National Superannuation
- Applications will only be accepted a year prior to turning the age of sixty-five (65) years
- NZ Residency qualifications also apply. Supporting documentation may be requested
- The applicant(s) must not own or have not sold any property in the last 5 years
- At least one reference must be provided with application.
Fees for pensioner units
Fees and charges shown below are for 2023/24 and apply from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
All fees and charges include GST except where noted.
Housing for the elderly | Fee |
|---|---|
| Taupō | |
Single units (per person, per week) | $135.00 |
Double units | $195.00 |
Turangi | |
Single units | $135.00 |
Double units | $195.00 |
Requests for additional tenants | POA |
Mangakino | |
Single units | $105.00 |
How to apply
To make an application, you can print and complete a hard copy application or apply online
If you have any questions about an application, please call us on 07 376 0899.
