WSP and the Helen Clark Foundation report urges future-proofing infrastructure for ageing population

A new research report released today by WSP and the Helen Clark Foundation calls for urgent, coordinated action to prepare infrastructure, housing, healthcare, and social services for a future where as many as one in three New Zealanders may be aged 65 or older.

The report, authored by WSP Fellow Kali Mercier, highlights both the promise and the pressure of Aotearoa New Zealand’s rapidly ageing population.

“Population ageing is one of the country’s most significant challenges, but it’s also a huge opportunity,” says Kali. “With the right planning and investment, we can ensure older people live well – and that we are building communities that work better for everyone.”

The report – called Age-proofing Aotearoa: Rethinking our infrastructure for an ageing population – finds that while older New Zealanders generally enjoy high wellbeing compared to their OECD peers, demographic change is accelerating. The 65+ population is projected to grow from 870,000 in 2024 to as many as 2.5 million by 2078.

The report calls for a coherent, long-term population and infrastructure strategy that integrates ageing into every level of planning.

Key findings include:

Housing insecurity: Home ownership among over-65s is falling sharply, with projections showing just 50% of this group owning homes by 2040. A national shortage of accessible, affordable housing risks increasing poverty and insecurity in later life.

Aged care shortfalls: New Zealand faces a projected shortfall of 12,000 aged care beds by 2032. Regional disparities and underfunding threaten access and equity. For example, waiting time for admission to aged care residential facilities varies from 82 days in the Manawatū region to 219 days on the West Coast.

Health system strain: Hospital infrastructure is outdated and overstretched, with demand set to surge – especially as per-person healthcare spending for those aged 85+ is 16 times higher than for 40-year-olds. Despite clear population projections, we’re failing to invest proactively in the right places. The rising disease burden, partly driven by ageing, demands not just more care, but better facilities, more staff, and smarter planning.

Transport and urban design gaps: Heavy reliance on private vehicles risks isolating older people. Investing in walkable communities, accessible public transport, and age-friendly design isn’t just essential for quality of life among older people – it also delivers public health benefits across generations and helps contain long-term infrastructure costs by keeping demand more compact and efficient.

Regional disparities: Areas like Tasman, Nelson, and Marlborough are heading toward ‘hyper-ageing’ with over 30% of residents expected to be 65+ by 2048.

WSP Head of Planning Rachel Lawson says the report underscores the urgent need for long-term, integrated infrastructure planning that reflects the needs of an ageing population.

“Adequate and appropriate infrastructure ensures that the period of life experienced by all New Zealanders during their ‘Third Age’ is characterised by dignity, opportunity, and personal choice. This report is a call to arms, encouraging tailored solutions across housing, healthcare, transport, and urban design, which could lead to NZ becoming an ideal place in which to age.”

The report calls for a national strategy that brings together central and local government, backed by better data and long-term planning.

Kali says that means investing in public and private housing that’s accessible and affordable, expanding aged care capacity where it’s needed most, and ensuring our health system is equipped for the growing demand. It also means designing communities that support independence – through walkable streets, reliable public transport, and age-friendly urban spaces.

“But we can’t keep proceeding without a clear roadmap. We need to be doing needs-based assessments and investing proactively, guided by regional population projections and future demand. Planning ahead means putting infrastructure where it’s needed, before the pressure becomes unmanageable,” she says.

“Ageing shouldn’t be seen as a crisis, but as a challenge to our systems – and with smart, joined-up planning, it’s a challenge we can absolutely meet. By acting early and basing decisions on clear evidence and future needs, we have a real opportunity to build stronger, more inclusive communities and ensure our services are ready to support everyone well into the future.”

You can find the report, Age-proofing Aotearoa, here.