2026 "Business of Ageing" report launched by Office for Seniors

The latest “Business of Ageing” report highlights the scale and breadth of older people’s economic contribution to New Zealand 

Launched by Minister for Seniors, the Hon Casey Costello, on 15 April 2026, the report provides robust evidence on how older people contribute through paid work, self-employment, tax, consumer spending, and unpaid activities such as caregiving and volunteering, offering a clear picture of their growing role in New Zealand’s economy and communities.

The report shows:

• The value of unpaid work by older people has passed $20 billion a year
• Paid work by people aged 65 and over now contributes around $9 billion a year
• Self-employment adds a further $5 billion a year
• Seniors pay more than $13 billion in tax annually
• Annual consumer spending by over-65s is close to $55 billion.

Such insights confirm that population ageing is already reshaping the labour market and economic activity, marking a long-term structural shift that businesses, communities and policymakers need to plan for now.

Read the Minister’s press release here: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/report-shows-economic-contribution-seniors