Hamilton has become the first city in New Zealand to join the Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.

The Network, administered by the World Health Organisation, sees cities from around the world committing to creating spaces and services that meet the needs of their older residents.

Hamilton was officially included in the Network on 18 May, and became the 600th city to join. With Hamilton's membership, New Zealand becomes the 38th country represented in the network.

Hamilton's inclusion in the network is the result of the development of an Age Friendly Plan for the city. The plan was developed as a collaboration between numerous city agencies and groups working with older people, as well as Hamilton City Council, Waikato Regional Council and local businesses.

The Plan outlines almost 50 actions to be completed in the next four years, such as providing services to help older people use digital technologies at banks, public transport and libraries, provide a more recreation opportunities around the city and reducing social isolation in older age groups.

Joining the Network will also provide access to the plans and projects of the other 599 member cities and communities that could further improve Hamilton in the future.

Dame Peggy Koopman-Boyden chaired the Steering Group that developed the Plan, and says Hamilton has huge potential to be an attractive city for older people.

"Hamilton has so much to offer our older generation,” Dame Peggy says. “It is centrally located, relatively easy to get around, with many organisations providing valuable services to older people. We have brought together many of these groups to keep building on what we already have and establish a strong future for our older residents."

Mayor Andrew King was excited to hear the news. "Hamilton's commitment to making our city better for older people has now been recognised at an international level. As our population continues to grow, ensuring older people are included and valued will be key to our success. I look forward to seeing the results of the Age Friendly Plan in the coming months and years."

The plan's progress will be monitored and reported to the Council and the World Health Organisation on a regular basis.

Additional information on the Hamilton Age-Friendly Plan, click here.

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