Palmerston North joins global age-friendly network
Published on 16 July 2025
Palmerston North is now officially part of the Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities — and we’re proud to be on board.
The certification from the World Health Organization means we’re now part of a growing global movement of cities working to make life better for older people.
General Manager of Customer and Community, Danelle Whakatihi, says the recognition shows the city’s ongoing work to create a supportive environment for people of all ages.
“We want everyone in Palmy to feel connected, valued and able to take part in all aspects of city life. Becoming part of the Global Age-friendly Network shows we’re serious about making our city great for older people.”
The World Health Organization’s age-friendly approach focuses on eight domains that help people live well as they age — housing and transport, social connection, and civic participation. These domains are already woven into many of Council’s plans and strategies, including our Community Support Plan, Transport Plan and Urban Design Plan.
As part of our Age-friendly Action Plan, we’ll be rolling out several new initiatives to support older people in our community. These include Let’s Get Moving! in partnership with Sport Manawatū, encouraging active recreation for seniors; the Age Friendly Business programme, which recognises local businesses working to become more welcoming and accessible for older customers; and Ducks in a Row, a series of workshops with THINK Hauora to help seniors plan for retirement and later life.
Palmerston North is also part of the national Age Friendly Aotearoa Network and will be running a citywide Age-friendly survey in 2026 to help track progress and understand what more can be done.
“We’re proud to be joining this global network, it’s something Palmy’s seniors and our Elected Members have been very keen to progress, and age-friendly considerations are increasingly being woven throughout our planning and mahi at all levels.
“We want to thank Age Friendly Palmerston North and our Seniors’ Reference Group for their advocacy and support in achieving this milestone,” says Mrs Whakatihi. It’s another step forward in building a city that works for people of all ages and making sure everyone, no matter their age, feels welcome, included and supported to live well.”