Age Concern New Zealand congratulates members of the new National Health Board on their appointment and is looking forward to a productive relationship.

"The National Health Board must have a dialogue with older people," Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Ann Martin says.

"It's vitally important that the perspectives of the 550,000 New Zealanders aged 65 and over are incorporated in health sector planning.

"We welcome the strong medical focus of the new National Health Board and we'll be engaging constructively with them.

"Older people have a big stake in the success of the health sector so Age Concern will keep Board members informed about the needs and aspirations of seniors."

The national organisation working for older people notes that most older people enjoy good health, but care needs change with age.

"It's important that the National Health Board, government and all parts of the health sector plan to deliver the health care required by older people. Provided this happens we're confident that the health system will cope with future developments.

"The time to start that planning is now," Ann Martin says.