Health of Older People in New Zealand

Media Releases

26 September 2006: Key Findings of Research Trial to Improve Outcomes for Older People Released
The Ministry of Health says a research trial commissioned by the Ministry of Health shows older people with high and complex needs can remain in their own homes with the right level of support.

4 April 2006: Health of Older People a Key Priority for the Ministry of Health
The wheels are in motion for a comprehensive information system which will improve information and services for older people and ensure their changing needs are met.

19 May 2005: Keeping asset testing promise for older NZers
Budget 2005 follows through on the government's commitment to phase out asset testing for older New Zealanders in residential care.

16 May 2005: Letters on asset testing changes to 30,000 older people
The first of more than 30,000 letters have been sent to older people in long-term residential care explaining how they might be affected by upcoming changes to income and asset testing.

16 September 2003: Low cost primary health care for older New Zealanders enrolled in PHOs
Health Minister Annette King says the Government is accelerating a $47 million nationwide initiative to make primary health care more affordable for older New Zealanders enrolled in Primary Health Organisations (PHOs).

2 April 2003: Asset Testing to be removed
Ruth Dyson, Associate Health Minister and Minister for Senior Citizens, has announced the government will progressively remove asset testing of older people in long-term residential care from 1 July 2005.

21 February 2003: Older people's disability funding transferred to DHBs
Funding for disability support services for older people will be transferred from the Ministry of Health to district health boards from 1 October 2003, Associate Health Minister Ruth Dyson said today.

The amount of funding is $700 million, 65 percent of which goes towards residential aged care.




Page last updated: 3 March 2008