Older adults

Picture of elderly women with rubbish bin.

We have various services in place to support our older residents to live well in their communities, including pensioner housing, parking exemptions and disability services.

Accessible facilities and services

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

See our guide to accessible facilities and services here:

Accessible services and facilities brochure(PDF, 473KB)

View the Access Whangārei map here:

Access Whangārei map(PDF, 455KB)

Pensioner housing

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 here:

Pensioner housing

70+ parking fee exemption

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

Wilsons carpark on John Street
Whangārei Hospital carpark
the carpark next to White Cross.

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 it to us, with proof of your address and your driver licence.

Parking fee exemption for 70+ citizen application(PDF, 228KB)

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

Enquire online

Disability services

For people with limited mobility, a wheelchair is available at the Whangārei Central Library and another one at Te Iwitahi (civic centre). The wheelchairs are available for use in the surrounding area of each facility.

Mobility scooters are available for hire through NorthAble.

Find more information about accessibility and getting a Mobility Parking Permit here:

Disability services

Population profile for older adults

According to the 2023 Census, the median age in Whangārei District is 41.8 years. This is older than the national median age of 38.1 years.

In the 2023 Census, 26,883 people in Whangārei District were aged 60 years and over, representing about 29.4% of the population.

Whangārei District has an older age profile than New Zealand overall. This has important implications for accessibility, service planning and how we design inclusive communities.

Our older residents continue to contribute to our local economy through both paid and unpaid activities. Around 24% of Whangārei’s volunteer workforce is aged 65 and over.

Senior statistics(PDF, 152KB)

Accessibility Advisory Group

The Accessibility Advisory Group works with us to improve accessibility across the District.

It brings together the perspectives of older adults and disabled people, with a focus on identifying barriers and supporting more inclusive access to Council services, facilities and public spaces.

Advisory groups

Age Friendly Whangārei Action Plan

We have developed our Age Friendly Whangārei Action Plan in partnership with older adults, community organisations and other stakeholders.

It identifies actions to support positive ageing and help make Whangārei a District where older people feel valued, connected, safe, informed and able to participate fully in community life.

Age Friendly Whangārei Action Plan(PDF, 5MB)

Emergency preparedness and resilience

We’re working towards building emergency preparedness and resilience for older adults in Whangārei.

This work is in collaboration with Hato Hone St John, Civil Defence Emergency Management Northland, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand as part of our commitment to the Age Friendly Whangārei Action Plan.