Older Workers

Our ageing population means that people over 50 now make up more than a third of the New Zealand workforce and are the fastest growing worker demographic.

By international standards, New Zealand has a high rate of labour force participation of people aged over 65.

A range of resources are available to support older people interested in exploring enterprise and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Older Worker Employment Toolkit

The Older Worker Employment Toolkit was developed by the Office for Seniors and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

It provides information and advice for employers to help recruit, develop, and retain older workers.

It includes useful information about our ageing workforce and aims to create business awareness of the benefits that older workers offer.

The toolkit can be found here https://www.business.govt.nz/older-worker-employment-toolkit

MSD support for older job seekers

People aged 50-64 years make up more than 30% of people receiving MSD Job Seeker benefit.

Barriers older workers can face to employment include a lack of confidence, recruitment bias, discrimination - including self-discrimination - and a mismatch of skills and experience to available jobs.

Practical support to move into employment or training is available here:

Flexiwage offers a wage contribution to employers and access to training and support for the job seeker. It was recently extended to people aged over 65. For People starting their own business, you might also be able to get help. Follow this link to learn more about Flexiwage: https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/flexi-wage.html
Go to connected.govt.nz or call 0800 264 737 for a wide range of employment, education and training support.
Careers NZ offers a range of tools including a CV builder and a skills matcher, follow this link to learn more: https://www.careers.govt.nz/

Business of Ageing

The Business of Ageing highlights the potential economic contribution older people will make to New Zealand over coming decades.

It outlines the growing value of the labour market participation, income, tax, spending, and voluntary/unpaid work of seniors.

Better Work in Later Life

Better Work in Later Life is a collection of evidence-based resources supporting older people to engage in the workforce and for businesses to realise the benefits of Aotearoa New Zealand's ageing population.

Last modified: 24 July 2025