Recognising and Reporting Elder Abuse

For: Victims, concerned family members, advocates, and care staff.

Guide review recorded: 2026-06-12. This is the saved guide review date; later source access dates do not mean the guide was reviewed again.

Need help quickly?

Use these first contacts when safety, care quality, money, or an official decision cannot wait.

Emergency

Call 111 if someone is in immediate danger.

Call 111

Elder abuse

Elder Abuse Response Service: 0800 32 668 65, text 5032, or email support@elderabuse.nz.

Open support site

Care complaint

HDC general enquiries: 0800 11 22 33, Monday–Friday 8.30am–5pm. Use the site for complaint options.

Visit HDC

Scams

Netsafe advice: 0508 638 723, Monday–Friday 9am–5pm. Separately, report spam or scam texts to DIA on 7726.

Visit Netsafe

Agency decision

Ombudsman general enquiries: 0800 802 602, Monday–Friday 8.30am–5pm. The site explains public-agency complaint options.

Visit Ombudsman

Contact details checked against primary service pages on 10 October 2026. Check the linked service for current hours and complaint or reporting scope.

Short Summary

Identify warning signs of physical, emotional, or financial elder abuse and connect with confidential support lines.

Steps & Guidance

1
Know the warning signs
Be aware of unexplained withdrawals from bank accounts, sudden changes to wills/EPAs, isolation, or unexplained bruising.
2
Contact the Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS)
Call the free 24/7 helpline on 0800 EA NOT OK (0800 32 668 65) for confidential advice and local casework support.
3
Address immediate danger
If someone is in immediate physical danger, call emergency services on 111 immediately.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Assuming the abuse is a private family matter and avoiding reporting it.
Allowing an attorney under an EPA to act without accountability or audits.

Documents & Info to Prepare

Noted dates, times, and descriptions of concerning behavior.
Names of individuals involved and their relationship to the older person.

Key Contacts

Elder Abuse Response Service

Detail: 0800 32 668 65

Age Concern New Zealand

Detail: 0800 65 2 105

Visit Age Concern New Zealand site

Recorded Evidence & Documents

These are the guide's saved evidence links. They may include official guidance, historical records, community sources or research captures. Recorded class and source dates do not establish current entitlement or independently verified guidance.