Age Concern Tauranga Inc

14/06/2026

https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/regional/597993/housing-costs-driving-elderly-to-homelessness

Age Concern chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen said no one knew exactly how many older people were sleeping rough around New Zealand, but she suspected the Northland numbers were echoed nationwide.

Housing insecurity often affected older people who were renting but could also affect those who had owned a home all their lives.

A long-time Whangārei housing advocate says official numbers of people living rough are "the tip of the iceberg".

14/06/2026

🥰🤗

14/06/2026

Today, we want to take a moment to acknowledge and celebrate our incredible volunteers.

You are the heart of what we do and the foundation of the support we provide to our community. Through your kindness, compassion, patience, and dedication, you make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many people every day.

Thank you for the time, energy, and care you so generously give. Our community is stronger, more connected, and more compassionate because of you.

We are deeply grateful for each and every one of our volunteers. You truly are the core workers who help make our mission possible. 💜🩷💙🧡💐

14/06/2026

Take the Step. You're Not Alone.
You don't have to face things alone.

If something doesn't feel right, if someone is making you
uncomfortable, or if you're unsure where to turn—take the step.
You're not alone.

There are people who will listen. People who will support you.
People who care about your safety, your dignity, and your wellbeing.

Reaching out is not a burden. Its an act of strength.
And when you do, we will walk with you, every step of the way.

Take the step. You're Not Alone.
Help is here when you're ready.

Contact us at www.ageconcern.org.nz

25/05/2026

Budget expectations low for over-65s advocates
Morning Report

Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive Karen Billings-Jensen spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss regarding the support for people over 65 in this year's budget.

Listen here.

A charity advocating for older people's rights say they're not expecting much in the way of support for over 65s in this year's Budget. Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

25/05/2026

'I walk every day, I talk to people and I feel useful. That matters.'

20/05/2026

Rates rebate changes from 1 July 2026

The Government has announced changes to the Rates Rebate Scheme aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures for low-income ratepayers. These changes will help reduce cost pressures for many older New Zealanders.

From 1 July 2026, the maximum rebate will increase from $805 to $830. The income threshold for SuperGold Cardholders will increase from $45,000 to $46,400.

Under the new settings, SuperGold Card holders whose only income is New Zealand Superannuation, and who pay more than $2,000 a year in rates, will qualify for the full rebate.

Application forms will be available from councils from 1 July 2026. Forms are also available on the New Zealand Government website.

Increases to the Rates Rebate Scheme will help ease cost of living pressures for ratepayers in need of assistance and lower income SuperGold Cardholders.

19/05/2026

Survey to help understand what ageing well looks like in our communities.

The Aotearoa New Zealand National Forum for the Decade of Healthy Ageing is working to understand what ageing well looks like for people in their own communities, and what needs to change so more people can thrive as they age.

The forum is inviting New Zealanders aged 55+ to take part in a short survey. It asks how confident you feel about your future, what helps you stay active and involved, and what would make the biggest difference to ageing well where you live.

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

19/05/2026

"I'm a low user of electricity at my home, but the much larger proportion of my electricity bill, for example, is the line charges.

"I don't know how they can justify all the line charges, but they do, and there's nothing you can do much about it"

As a single pensioner living alone - you'd get $555.15 a week, so when bills add up, something has got to give.

Read more ⬇

14/05/2026

Thank you Kawerau for hosting the Staying Safe Driver Refresher course 🚙