23 September 2025—In recognition of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on 1 October 2025, the Christchurch Methodist Mission (CMM) is proud to announce the launch of the Doors to Dignity campaign, a bold initiative advocating for safe, affordable, and secure housing for older people across Aotearoa New Zealand.

For CMM Executive Director Jill Hawkey, International Day of Older Persons arrives amid a rapidly worsening situation: housing distress among older people, especially those aged 65 and over who are renters.

“The housing situation for older New Zealanders has deteriorated significantly over the past five years,” says Hawkey. “There’s been a 90% increase in older people on the Ministry of Social Development’s Housing Register since 2020, and two out of every three renters aged 65 to 74 spend 40% or more of their income on rent.”

Coinciding with the launch of the Doors to Dignity campaign, CMM and photographer David Cook will also unveil the Listen Up! Seniors Take a Stand on Housing — Whakarongo Mai! E tū tohe ana ngā kaumātua mō ngā take whare exhibition and publication, a moving showcase of lived experiences from older renters navigating housing insecurity.

“The exhibition amplifies voices often unheard in public discourse and highlights the urgent need for systemic change,” says Cook who in addition to being a photographer is a senior lecturer at Massey University’s College of Creative Arts in Wellington. “I worked with a brave and visionary group of citizens to co-create this art project - I’m proud of our innovative work. In partnering with CMM, I found a community who were equally committed to housing justice for seniors and kaumātua,” he says.

The campaign and exhibition are grounded in the findings of CMM’s Doors to Dignity–Ensuring All Older People are Housed Well report.

“By 2048, 40% of New Zealanders aged 65 and over will be renters. The primary income for the majority of older renters is their NZ Superannuation. But finding a home that is affordable on superannuation is almost impossible,” says Hawkey.

“CMM is calling for immediate action from central and local Government to ensure older people can age in place with dignity, safety, and cultural connection. The current challenge of older person’s housing is urgent. Without intervention, it will become a full-blown crisis. Now is the time to act with foresight, compassion and courage.”

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