Older adults

We are committed to ensuring people of all ages and abilities can access and enjoy Whangārei.

Take a look at our guide to accessible facilities and services below:

Accessible services and facilities brochure(PDF, 473KB)

You can view the Access Whangārei map here:

Access Whangārei Map (tiaho.org.nz)

We own 165 pensioner units located at 16 separate sites throughout the District in Hikurangi, Te Kamo, Tikipunga, Kensington, Onerahi, central Whangārei and Maunu.

Find out more about the units, eligibility and applying for a unit on our Pensioner housing page. 

Pensioner housing 

We provide an exemption card to Whangārei residents aged 70 years and over to park free of charge at any Council car park in Whangārei, except the three below:

1. Wilsons carpark in John Street
2. Hospital carpark
3. the carpark next to Whitecross

You must display an exemption card and still need to stick to the maximum time limit for the carpark you are using.

Print a copy of the application form below, fill it in and bring into us, with proof of your address and your driver licence.

Parking fee exemption for 70+ citizen application(PDF, 225KB)

You can enquire online about a 70+ parking fee exemption.

Enquire online

Two wheelchairs and a mobility scooter (affectionately called Buttercup) are available for people with limited mobility to borrow when visiting the Town Basin and places nearby.

For further information about accessibility and hire of mobility scooters or getting a Mobility Parking Permit, please visit our Disability Services page.

Disability Services

Currently, the median age for people in the Whangārei District is 41.8 years. 

For New Zealand, as a whole, the median age is 38 years. The median age is projected to be 46.1 years in the year 2043.

In 2018, 25.5% of Whangārei's population was aged 60 years and over.

The District has an older resident population more than that of New Zealand overall. This has major implications on the demand for services and future planning and results in significant social, economic and cultural impacts on the District.

Our older residents continue to contribute to our local economy through both paid and unpaid activities. Of Whangārei’s volunteer workforce, 24% are aged 65 years and over.

Senior Statistics(PDF, 152KB)

The Positive Ageing Advisory Group works with us to support overall improvements in the independence, participation, care and dignity of the District's older people. 

Positive Ageing Advisory Group

Our Positive Ageing Policy helps ensure that we accommodate the needs of our residents as they age.

Our policy expresses the vision that Whangārei will be a district where older people are:

• highly valued
• acknowledged for their contributions
• encouraged to participate
• recognised as an integral part of the community.

Positive Ageing Policy