New Zealand’s ageing population is growing faster than its infrastructure can keep up, warns a new report from WSP and the Helen Clark Foundation.

The study, Age-proofing Aotearoa: Rethinking our infrastructure for an ageing population, finds one in three New Zealanders could be 65 or older within decades.

Author Kali Mercier says that shift is both a challenge and an opportunity.

“With the right planning and investment, we can ensure older people live well – and that we’re building communities that work better for everyone.”

The 65+ population is expected to surge from 870,000 in 2024 to as many as 2.5 million by 2078.

But the report warns that aged-care beds, housing, and hospital capacity are falling behind.

New Zealand could be short 12,000 aged-care beds by 2032, while home ownership among over-65s is projected to drop to 50% by 2040.

Older people also face transport and design barriers that isolate them.

The report calls for walkable, connected neighbourhoods, better public transport, and accessible homes to help maintain independence and manage long-term costs.

WSP Head of Planning Rachel Lawson says urgent, joined-up planning is essential.

“Adequate and appropriate infrastructure ensures that the period of life experienced by all New Zealanders during their ‘Third Age’ is characterised by dignity, opportunity, and personal choice.”

For the Hibiscus Coast, where retirement villages and older residents already form a growing part of the community, the message hits close to home: prepare now, or risk the services and housing squeeze later.

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