Tauranga-based Trustpower is the first New Zealand company to complete an accreditation process aimed at making New Zealand age friendly.
SUPA-NZ, which stands for Seniors United to Promote an Age-Friendly New Zealand, is a not-for-profit company trying to make the country age friendly, with initiatives including alerting companies to the market potential of older customers.
"With the number of people aged 65 and over projected to double by 2036, tailoring customer services to attract the increasing 'silver' dollar makes good business sense," said Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges, who presented the award to Trustpower at a ceremony last Friday.
The SUPA-NZ social audit process for Trustpower contributed to changes to the customer bill, which the company says made it more readable, with a focus on relevant information. The company website and various print materials have also been redesigned to provide the information needed by an ageing population.
Carole Gordon, national convenor of SUPA-NZ, said, "Over one million New Zealanders will soon be using a SuperGold Card.