As the number of older New Zealanders facing housing insecurity continues to rise, the Christchurch Methodist Mission (CMM) is hosting a vital public event to explore solutions to the crisis. The “Solutions to the Older Persons Housing Crisis” panel discussion will take place on Thursday 9 October 2025, from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at the Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street North, Christchurch.

The event is part of CMM’s Doors to Dignity campaign, which aims to ensure that all older people in Aotearoa New Zealand are housed well—safely, affordably, and with dignity. The campaign is grounded in the findings of the recently released Doors to Dignity report, which highlights the urgent need for age friendly, accessible, and culturally appropriate housing for older people, particularly those who rent.

The panel will be moderated by Paul Gilberd, Chief Executive of Community Housing Aotearoa, and features leading voices in housing and wellbeing:

• Dr Kaye Saville-Smith, Chief Science Advisor to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development 

• Jane Wrightson, Retirement Commissioner

• Amber Clarke, Pou Ora – Principal Advisor, Wellbeing, Whitiora Centre

Attendees are invited to arrive early to view the “Listen Up! Seniors Take a Stand on Housing” exhibition, which shares the powerful stories of 24 Ōtautahi seniors navigating housing hardship.

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In conjunction with the event, CMM will launch a parliamentary petition that calls on the Government to take urgent action to address the housing crisis facing older people by increasing investment in social and affordable housing.

Jill Hawkey, Executive Director of CMM, says the petition is a crucial step in amplifying the voices of older New Zealanders who are too often overlooked.

“We are hearing from older people who are living in garages, in cars, or in housing that is cold, damp, and unsafe. Many are spending more than half their income on rent. This is not the Aotearoa we want for our elders. Our petition is a call to action—because everyone deserves a home where they can age with dignity.”

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets can be secured at https://events.humanitix.com/doors-to dignity-panel-discussion. For campaign information go to www.doorstodignity.nz.

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