New Zealand an age neutral country?

Having just returned from New Zealand I have become conscious of any news coming from that far-off country (well far-off from the UK).

There are two articles in today’s press.

A certain Mr Warwick Lightbourne has been inventing, sourcing and selling products that appeal to both old and young audiences. As an injury consultant, Lightbourne developed the products in response to patients visiting his Auckland surgery. As the article said: “he has got the market strapped up (dreadful pun) - older folk need his products to stay active while younger people need them because they've been too active”.

His product brand, Thermastrap has 23 different straps for almost every body part.

Having the Australian and New Zealand market covered he is now selling the products in the UK via Lifeplan.

There is a lot more about him and his company in the article.

Another article talks about a series of events being given by Gill Walker, the founder of the 50+ agency Evergreen, who visits New Zealand to speak at three Marketing Association nationwide seminars.

Auckland, is a delightful place but not the largest of cities. To this one event she has attracted over 200 people. This shows an astonishing level of interest in the 50-plus subject.

These couple of anecdotal pieces of information reinforce my feelings about NZ (and Australia) that these countries are beginning to “get it” about the importance of 50-plus age group. Let’s hope us European and Americans learn something from our fellow Antipodean marketers. Dick Stroud