Stay up to date with the latest news affecting older people in Auckland and across Aotearoa.
At Age Concern Auckland, we curate relevant articles, updates, and stories on topics like elder wellbeing, healthcare, housing, community
services, and policy changes. Check back regularly for fresh content that matters to seniors, their whānau, and caregivers.
Transport subsidies for elderly and disabled people reduced
The government is cutting transport subsidies for elderly and disabled people for elderly and disabled people from 75 percent to 65 percent.
The Total Mobility scheme provides discounted taxis and public transport fares for those with long-term impairments.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop and Disability Minister Louise Upston said when the previous Labour government boosted the scheme from a 50
percent subsidy in 2022, it did not account for increased demand.
The number of registered users had increased from 108,000 to 120,000 between 2022 and 2024/25, and the number of trips increased from 1.8
million in 2018 to 3 million in 2024/25.
Bishop said the increased demand now meant the scheme was close to exceeding the funding provided by $236m sometime over the five years to
2030.
"The subsidy is split between the government and public transport authorities - local councils and the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) - and
provides an important service for the people who use the scheme," he said.
Superannuitants are being warned not to fall for a scam that claims they're in for a pre-Christmas bonus.
A hoax circulating online claims that people who are on NZ Super are to receive a "one-off December bonus" a few weeks before
Christmas.
The payment is alleged to be $350 for single people and $560 for couples, as well as an extra $50 for people in Auckland, Wellington and
Christchurch and $40 for people with disabilities.
The websites seem to be intended to funnel advertising and possibly collect identity details.
The Ministry of Social Development confirmed that the offer was not real.
"We are aware of fake information being targeted at MSD clients and older people about December bonuses, benefit increases, or changes
to NZ Super," group general manager of client service delivery Graham Allpress said.
"We want to assure people these claims are not true. If you want up-to-date information on your benefit or NZ Super, check the Work and
Income website or MyMSD.
"These posts and websites are created by dishonest actors for dishonest reasons, and are always best avoided."
Japan is facing a dementia crisis – can technology help?
This from BBC news:
Last year, more than 18,000 older people living with dementia left their homes and went missing in Japan. Almost 500 were later found dead.
Police say such cases have doubled since 2012.
Elderly people aged 65 and over now make up nearly 30% of Japan's population - the second-highest proportion in the world after Monaco,
according to the World Bank.
The crisis is further compounded by a shrinking workforce and tight limits on foreign workers coming in to provide care.
Japan's government has identified dementia as one of its most urgent policy challenges, with the Health Ministry estimating that
dementia-related health and social care costs will reach 14 trillion yen ($90bn; £67bn) by 2030 - up from nine trillion yen in 2025.
In its most recent strategy, the government has signalled a stronger pivot toward technology to ease the pressure.
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