Older Aucklanders 2026: a quality of life – summary report

Author:

Ashleigh Prakash, Ipsos

Source:

Auckland Council Social and Economic Research and Evaluation, Policy Department

Publication date:

2026

Topics:

People

Extract

Introduction

Tāmaki Makaurau Tauawhi Kaumātua – Age-friendly Auckland Action Plan 2022-27

Auckland Council is committed to strengthening the wellbeing of older people in Auckland (aged 65 years and over). Tāmaki Makaurau Tauawhi Kaumātua – Age-friendly Auckland Action Plan (the Plan) outlines council’s commitments, and was adopted in late 2021 with the intention of enabling better quality of life among Auckland’s older population. The Plan is based on the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Framework and Te Whare Tapa Whā, a Māori wellbeing framework adapted by Sir Mason Durie. The Plan identifies relevant actions for council and other government agencies, organisations, individuals, and communities, to take to address wellbeing for older Aucklanders.

Older Aucklanders quality of life study 2026

A baseline Older Aucklanders quality of life study was undertaken in 2016-17. The study was based on: 1) data collected from a survey of Aucklanders aged 65 years and over and 2) secondary sources. This was repeated in 2021-22.

This 2026 study builds on the previous two studies to monitor changes over time. Indicators and measures are aligned with the 10 ngā rohe/domains of Tāmaki Makaurau Tauawhi Kaumātua. Data was again collected in a survey of older Aucklanders, and from secondary sources. Older people were invited to participate through online panels, the Electoral Roll, and face-to-face community engagement. A total of 849 older Aucklanders participated in the survey.

This report summarises the main findings from the full status report. This can be found on the Knowledge Auckland website.

Prakash, A. (2026). Older Aucklanders 2026: Quality of life – status report. Auckland Council technical report, TR2026/12.

Auckland Council, September 2026