When we talk about building inclusive technology in Canterbury, it’s easy to think about what’s new – the latest app, the freshest startup, the next funding round. But some of the most meaningful tech work happening right now is focused on the people who came before all of that.
Eldernet is one of Canterbury’s quieter success stories. For years, the team has been building and operating trusted information platforms that help older New Zealanders, their whānau, and the professionals who support them navigate one of life’s most complex chapters: ageing, retirement living, and care.
It’s not a simple problem to solve.
“Later life decisions can feel overwhelming,” says the team at Eldernet. “We simplify that by bringing clear, independent information together in one place so people can take the next step with confidence.”
What makes Eldernet distinctive is the breadth of what they actually do. At its core, they’re a trusted consumer platform, supporting older people, along with their families, friends and whānau, to navigate ageing and care options. But underneath that, they also build and operate SaaS platforms and data infrastructure used by providers and government. That combination of consumer guidance, sector data, and system-level capability puts them in a unique position in the New Zealand ageing sector.
A platform in transformation
Right now, the Eldernet team is in the middle of a significant platform redesign, improving search, user experience, and the digital tools that help people connect with the services they need.
Their focus for the next 6-12 months is on platform transformation: smarter data tools, better connections between consumers and providers, and a step change in how the whole system works.
The opportunity Canterbury businesses should be paying attention to
When asked what challenge or opportunity they think Canterbury businesses should be watching in 2026, the Eldernet team didn’t hesitate: designing for an ageing population.
New Zealand’s 65+ population is projected to grow significantly over the next 15 years. That’s not a niche demographic, it’s a growing market that most tech products are still designed around the edges of, rather than for. The businesses that get ahead of this will build more accessible, more inclusive products that serve a wider slice of New Zealand society.
It’s a timely reminder that good tech isn’t just about what’s newest. Sometimes it’s about who gets left behind when we stop paying attention.
Why Canterbury Tech?
For Eldernet, being part of Canterbury Tech is about community in the truest sense. “It’s a chance to be part of a community that’s solving real-world problems,” they say, “and to learn, share ideas, and build better solutions together.”
They’re also open to collaboration, particularly with organisations working in health, technology, or community, where there’s potential to improve access to information or build something meaningful together. If that sounds like your work, they’d love to hear from you.
Find out more about Eldernet at eldernet.co.nz
