Official Information Request - 14 May 2019

Sent: Monday, 20 May 2019 1:35 p.m.

Subject: Official Information request - policies/programmes for people aged 65 plus

I refer to your email of 14 May 2019 regarding any policies or programmes provided by Council for people aged 65 plus.

1. RLC does not have any policy specific to people aged 65 plus, nor for any other definition of older people, except for the Pensioner Housing Policy (see 3 below).
2. RLC does not have any Bylaws or other regulations specific to people aged 65 plus nor for any other definition of older people.
3. RLC does not provide any free accommodation. The Pensioner Housing Policy (attached) relates to the 152 units owned and managed by Council for older residents.
4. The framework for the People Portfolio on our website - https://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/Rotorua2030/portfolios/people/Documents/Final%20People%20Portoflio%20Framework_20171123.pdf - outlines one of the priorities being "Our Children, our future, People of all ages" which includes the outcome "citizens ageing in place in our communities". It should be noted that all the People Portfolio Framework priorities relate to older people as much as other groups in our communities. This includes: Democratic participation and connection; Valuing respecting and celebrating diversity and culture; Our Children, our future, People of all ages; Bicultural partnership with Te Arawa; A community that is safe and caring; A thriving community that is economically secure.
5. A long-standing Access Committee meets regularly to address issues around accessibility. Although this is not unique to older people, accessibility issues affect many older people.

As per the Act, we are obliged to advise that you may contact the Ombudsman at the address below if you have any concerns with the response provided by Council, by writing to:

The Office of the Ombudsman

PO Box 10 152

WELLINGTON 6143

Alternatively, you may email info@ombudsman.parliament.nz or use the online complaints form available at www.ombudsman.parliament.nz/make-a-complaint.

Regards