Tauranga City Council has received a glowing pass mark from the Labour party for its efforts to promote an age and disability friendly city.

The Opposition spokesperson for disability issues, senior citizens and conservation spokesperson, Ruth Dyson visited Tauranga today to meet with organisations and the Mayor to discuss the city's aim to future proof the city.

Labour's spokesperson for disability issues, senior citizens and conservation Ruth Dyson visited Tauranga to hold talks regarding the party's views on disabled and age friendly communities.

The meeting was in response to Tauranga City Council's recently initiated Disability Strategy and Age-Friendly City Policy that sets out a long-term plan to remove barriers and include people with disabilities in everyday life.

Ruth held a public meeting at Historic Village before meeting with Age Concern Tauranga and CCS Disability Action. She also met with Mayor Stuart Crosby to discuss two council strategies.

'The reason I want to see the mayor is because I'm pleased with what they [council] are doing. They are showing leadership and it's good for us to say well done.

'I think you should be very proud of what the city is promoting and this has got to be a selling point for the city.”

Tauranga recently sought feedback from residents over 65-years-old following a global movement to improve cities to meet the needs of ageing populations.

The process is the result of projected statistics for 2016, which show people over the age of 65 will outnumber younger people living in the city.

Between 2006 and 2031, the number of people over 65-years old who live in Tauranga is predicted to double, with one in four over 65 years-old by 2031.

Ruth says her discussions focus on ensuring fundamental values of respect and security remain throughout all New Zealand communities along with promoting affordable housing.

Affordable housing is a high priority for Tauranga after ranking third behind Auckland and Christchurch as the most unaffordable city for housing with an average asking price of $415,000 in 2012.

Affordability is measured through the median house price, currently $380,000, with Tauranga sitting nearly six times above the median wage and three times above the unaffordability mark.

The Council is using the NZ Disability Strategy adopted by government in 2001 as a base for its strategy.

Although council is committed to getting behind the strategies, Ruth cautions the job is not finished yet as there is a need to move away from a 'too tick boxed and rigid” regime in home support and caregiver packages.

'The local authority has taken up the issue but need to remember it is not just a strategy to sign off. It is how you build, how you plan and how you provide opportunities.

'For old and disabled it's not just about having a financial asset [owing a house] but being part of a community. A lot of people retire to this area but it is getting crossed off the market.”