From Challenge to Opportunity: The Colville Project’s Age-Friendly Community Solutions

A 2025 research paper issued by the Helen Clark Foundation reports the Coromandel has the highest proportion of elderly residents in New Zealand - over one in three people (34%) are aged 65 or older. By 2038, that figure is expected to reach nearly half our population.

In the Northern Coromandel, as part of the broader Thames-Coromandel District (TCD), we are also characterised by our aging population, with our district having one of the highest percentages of seniors in New Zealand.  This reality directly affects the neighbours, friends, and families who want to remain in our region  but struggle to find suitable housing or access essential services.

The Housing Issue for Older People

Across New Zealand, home ownership among people over 65 is dropping rapidly: from 82% in 2001 to a projected 50% by 2040. This means roughly half of our future elderly residents won't own their homes. For rural communities like those of the Northern Coromandel , where rental properties are scarce, this creates a critical housing shortage.

In the TCD,  approximately 42% of residents (particularly people aged 65 and over), receive a low income - one of the highest figures in the Waikato and  higher than average nationally.  r. . Many long-term residents face an impossible choice: leave or remain in housing that doesn't fully support their needs.

In 2016, Thames Coromandel District Council (TCDC) introduced a programme incentivising builders to create age-friendly homes with universal design features, becoming a national leader. Now 10% of new homes in our district are built to support aging in place (being able to age locally). However, this represents only a partial solution, and integrated community strategies remain essential.

The Aged Care System Can't Keep Up

Nationally, we're facing a shortfall of 12,000 aged care beds by 2032. Healthcare costs for people over 85 are sixteen times higher than for younger adults, placing enormous strain on our health system. However, communities with integrated services: healthcare, housing, and social support in one place, help older people stay healthy, independent, and engaged in their communities longer.

A Solution Built on Community Values

In-line with community consultation, The Colville Project has developed a Wellbeing and Education Centre (WEC) blueprint for a thriving Northern Coromandel that brings together a range of services (health, community, education etc), alongside affordable housing for both older residents and families. This initiative directly aligns with TCDC's Positive Ageing Strategy, which emphasises "ageing in place", enabling older people to live positively with adequate housing .

Housing for older people is central to the TCP. Research shows that people feel more socially connected when housing is close to community amenities, and this accessibility is critical for older rural residents. The Colville Project has created a comprehensive model that supports community wellness across all demographics.

Real Benefits for Our Community

The aim is for integrated elder housing to be delivered through partnerships with third-party providers who specialise in age-appropriate accommodation. The Colville Project will provide the land and infrastructure necessary to support these developments. This collaborative approach will lessen the economic burden for our community, reduce pressure on our health system through a preventive approach, fosters intergenerational connections with young families and older residents sharing community spaces, provide our older residents with opportunities they deserve, support community sustainability , and create a replicable model for communities facing similar demographic challenges.

If you would like to get involved with The Colville Project, please contact us to learn how you can support this essential initiative: admin@thecolvilleproject.nz