Ageing Well Action Plan 2023-2026

The Ageing Well Action Plan 2023 – 2026 PDF, 940.7 KB has been founded on the knowledge that we have an increasing ageing and diverse prison population. This plan captures our response to the Office of the Inspectorates’ thematic report: Older Prisoners - The lived experience of older people in New Zealand prisons, and the voices of older people in prison heard through a survey conducted in 2022.

In the survey it became clear that prisons, designed for able-bodied prisoners, did not adequately serve the needs of those with age related health and wellbeing issues. There are common themes for ageing prisoners that are also reflected in the Ara Poutama Aotearoa Disability Action Plan: 2023- 2027. There has been department-wide interest in ensuring prisons are able to cater to the needs of an ageing population, and supporting staff to be more age aware. Nationally, there is recognition of New Zealand’s ageing population. This Action Plan will align with the older peoples plans from Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand, Ministry of Social Development, Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora.

The Ageing Well Plan reflects the voices of older people. It is the beginning of our response to address the inequities experienced by older people in prison.

Kotahi anō te kaupapa: ko te oranga o te iwi. There is only one purpose to our work: the wellness and wellbeing of people.