GrandFriends NZ

18/05/2026

This week is Youth Week. It's a week to "recognise the value, awesomeness, and impact of rangatahi, and to champion a society that supports young people to thrive". This year's theme is ‘Our Voices Matter, We Deserve to Be Heard’. You can find out more at the Ara Taiohi website: https://www.arataiohi.org.nz/

04/05/2026

Are you a family looking for some support and wisdom from the older generation? Or an older person with some time and love to give who would like to connect with a local family? GrandFriends connects people across the generations for mutual support, sharing of activities and making memories. Find out more at www.grandfriends.nz

09/04/2026

Fancy a challenge? Sign up to learn a new dance and join in with this Dance Around the World event.

As part of Global Intergenerational Week, we’re supporting Dance Around the World, led by the Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice (AIIP).

Now in its third year, this global event brings people together across generations through a shared dance, happening on 24 April.

You can:
learn the dance beforehand and join live
or
take part in your own group, film it, and send it in

Either way, you’ll be part of something happening around the world.

It’s simple, inclusive, and open to everyone.

To take part, follow the link to learn the dance, and sign up. - https://www.genconnectnz.org/giw26

04/04/2026

Happy Easter from the team at GrandFriends.

02/04/2026

🐰 Easter is here, and with it the school holidays. If you are looking for some easy ways to keep the kids entertained this Easter, we’ve pulled together a few fun, low-stress ideas you can try at home

Whether you’ve got an hour to fill or a whole long weekend, there’s something here to keep everyone happy (and maybe even tire them out a bit…).

What’s your go-to Easter activity with the kids? Share your ideas below! 🐣

06/03/2026

Some fascinating findings from the new Growing up in New Zealand report, including these stats on mental health and wellbeing among young people.

02/03/2026

Great ideas for practical things you can do to help new parents.

Supporting a new parent isn’t just kind - it supports their health and wellbeing.

Practical help like meals, laundry, caring for older tamariki, or holding pēpi so parents can rest can reduce stress and help families recover and adjust in the early weeks.

If you’re a friend or whānau member, choosing one small, practical thing can make a real difference. 💛

27/02/2026

Another school week is over, and we are nearly halfway through term 1 already. If your children - big or small - are struggling with tiredness, emotions or the transition after a big day at school, these simple rituals might help.
👉Time to be creative
👉A favourite snack eaten in peace
👉Time to read a book or listen to an audiobook
👉Time outside

13/02/2026

💜💚

With Valentine’s Day approaching, there’s often a focus on romantic love. But love is also expressed through connection across generations.

It is found in shared time, mutual respect and the reciprocity that comes from learning with and from one another.

Intergenerational relationships remind us that care is not limited to one kind of bond, or to one day on the calendar.

12/02/2026

It's Friday the 13th! Here are a few superstitions you might recognise — and a reminder it doesn’t have to be an unlucky day. A kind word, a smile or a check-in can make it a good one 🙂