LiLACS NZ investigates the health, social, cultural, and environmental status and predictors of successful advanced ageing of Māori and non-Māori individuals in advanced age in New Zealand. Participants at baseline included Māori who, in 2010, were aged between 80 and 90 years (born between 1 January, 1920 and 31 December, 1930) and non-Māori who were aged 85 years (born between 1 January and 31 December, 1925). Geographical boundaries of the District Health Boards of the Bay of Plenty and northern part of the Lakes areas were chosen as a stable population base and area of Māori communities. At baseline, the sample included 421 Māori participants and 516 non-Māori participants. The cohorts were followed up yearly and Wave 6 (5-year follow-up) began in 2015.