We want Palmerston North to be a great place to live at every stage of life. That means making sure age is never a barrier to feeling connected, valued, and able to take part in everyday city life.
Following the national trend, within the next decade, there will be more older people (aged 65+) than children (0-14 years) in Palmerston North.
The Palmerston North Age Friendly Action Plan sets the foundation for making our city more age-friendly. It aims to help improve the quality of life for older people by ensuring Council planning considers the needs of our ageing population. And supports a connected, healthy and safe community for all ages.
Read our Age-friendly action plan
Above: Chair of Age Friendly Palmerston North, Russell Hallam, and Mayor Grant Smith celebrate the city's certification as a member of the Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities
We’re proud to say Palmerston North is now officially a member of the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities.
We received this certification in 2025, joining other cities around the world working to improve life for older people. The World Health Organization’s age-friendly approach focuses on eight key areas that support people to live well as they age, including housing and transport, outdoor spaces, social connection, access to information, and community support.
These priorities are already reflected in many Council plans, such as our Community Support, Transport and Urban Design plans, helping ensure our city works well for people of all ages.
Learn more about the framework
Seniors' Reference Group
The Seniors' Reference Group connects Council with Palmy’s growing community of older citizens. It provides a regular platform for older people’s voices to be heard and considered by Council. The group will help us respond to current and future opportunities to create a city that works for everyone.
Read more about the Seniors' Reference Group
Walkways and open spaces
Palmy has some of the best pathways in New Zealand!
We’ve updated our pathways booklet to show which of our walkways are the most accessible for Seniors.
Check out our walkways
We've installed the main outdoor gym next to He Ara Kotahi Bridge, off Dittmer Drive.
Other pop-up gyms move around the city, offering convenient access to fitness equipment. There's no need for a membership or swipe card. Just show up and start your workout! Currently, you can find one directly across the road from Missoula Reserve, one at Rangitāne Park, and two more at Ashhurst Domain.
See the location of all our gyms
Swimming pool programmes for seniors
If you’re looking for ways to stay active and social, our community aquatic pools have some great options.
At the Lido and Freyberg, you can join our Legends programme for people over 50. This includes aqua aerobics, personalised gym plans, and access to the spa, sauna and steam rooms.
Over at Splashhurst in Ashhurst, the Hīkoi Club focuses on gentle, low-impact movement designed to improve balance and mobility, support recovery from injury and keep people active in a fun and social way. Each session runs for 45 minutes, followed by the chance to enjoy a hot or cold drink and a friendly chat.
Find out more about the pool programmes
Subsidised social housing for over-65s
We own self-contained flats in convenient locations around Palmerston North. The rent is subsidised for superannuitants and people receiving a supported living payment or similar benefit.
If you are 65 or over, have a low income, and meet other requirements, you may be eligible for a subsidised flat.
Find out more about social housing
Library programmes for seniors
Do you enjoy reading and exploring new genres and different authors? Would you like to meet interesting people, talk about books, and discover some of your library’s hidden treasures? The Library Book Group offers all that and more!
We have several choices for you, with regular book club meetups at Central and some of the Community libraries.
Find out more about the book groups
You can also participate in activities which are suitable for seniors.
Check out our library events for seniors
Palmerston North is part of the Age-friendly Network, connecting us with other councils and communities across the country. We work with Age Friendly Palmerston North and a range of community groups to improve the lives of seniors in the city.
As part of our Age-friendly action plan, we’re rolling out new initiatives to support older people in practical ways, including:
- Let’s Get Moving! — These practical workshops are delivered in collaboration with Sport Manawatū and support seniors to make the most of active recreation around the city.
- Ducks in a Row — we work together with THINK Hauora on these short, enjoyable workshops which cover handy tips and information to help people plan for retirement and later life
You can explore more resources and support from our community groups across the city.