New Zealand: Survey Shows Surge in Number of Older People in Paid Work

According to a new analysis published by the New Zealand Department of Labour, more older New Zealand workers are staying on the job, with New Zealand recording one of the highest workforce participation rates in the OECD for the 50-64 year age group. The report--"Older People in Work: Key Trends and Patterns 1991-2005"--shows a surge in the number of older people in paid work, with 77% of 50-64 year olds working in 2005, compared with just 57% in 1991. By comparison, Australia’s participation rate is around 10 percentage points lower, according to Department of Labour Group Manager for Workforce Policy Lesley Haines.

Haines particularly noted that the growth of participation by older women--from about 45% to about 70%. “Factors contributing to this growth include the fact that women are pursing careers across their lifetime, technological changes to the nature of work and ongoing skills shortages. Raising the age eligibility for superannuation has also played an important part."

She also pointed to additional research released by the Department of Labour--"45 plus: Choices in the Labour Market"--which provides an insight into drivers and barriers to paid work for people over the age of 45.

Source: New Zealand Department of Labour News Release (March 6, 2007)

The report is also available in PDF or Word formats.