Age Concern New Zealand

06/10/2026

WShare your story and tag us!

The International Day of Older Persons may be celebrated on one day, but the spirit behind it continues all year round.

We'd love to hear how you've made a difference in the life of an older person. Whether it's reconnecting with a friend, enjoying a walk together, inviting someone to their favourite movie, or simply sharing a meaningful conversation, every act of connection matters.

As a thank you, everyone who tags us will go in the draw to win passes to Calle Málaga, generously provided by our friends at Potential Films.

How to enter:
1. Share your story on your social media page and tag us Age Concern New Zealand
2. Enter your details in this page: https://mailchi.mp/31b47622e901/nviawllblo

🎟 Winners will be drawn on 12 October.

If you're selected as a winner, we'll contact you to arrange delivery of your tickets. Any personal details collected for this purpose will not be retained.

05/10/2026

For the almost 22 years, Jennifer Couch has been doing something deceptively simple: showing up. Every week, she has given her time, friendship, and stories with older people in the Waikato through Age Concern’s Visiting Service.

Yesterday, Jennifer Couch received a an Age Concern New Zealand Huia Award at an even in Matamata.

Jennifer was joined by her daughters at a wonderful High Tea hosted by Age Concern Waikato to celebrate International Day of Older Persons with residents in Matamata.

The award was presented by Age Concern New Zealand board member, Meredith Osmond and CEO, Karen Billings-Jensen.

Read Jennifer's story: https://ageconcern.org.nz/our-impact/news/meaningful-change-does-not-always-come-through-grand-gestures/

05/10/2026

Is this service useful for you or someone you care about?
Register by 7 November.

Registrations are now open for telephone dictation voting!

Telephone dictation voting is a service for anyone who is eligible to vote in the 2026 General Election and is blind, partially blind, or has another physical disability that prevents them from marking their voting paper without assistance.

You must register for this service, even if you’ve used it to vote in the past, and you must be registered by noon, Saturday 7 November (NZ time).

Find out more including how it works, and how to register, on our website here: https://vote.nz/2026-general-election/voting-in-the-election/cant-get-to-a-voting-place/telephone-dictation-voting

05/10/2026

For the almost 22 years, Jennifer Couch has been doing something deceptively simple: showing up. Every week, she has given her time, friendship, and stories with older people in the Waikato through Age Concern Waikato's Visiting Service.

This year, Jennifer’s quiet commitment is being recognised by Age Concern, and she joins the distinguished group of Age Concern New Zealand Huia Award recipients. Now in its’ fifth year, the awards recognise three New Zealanders who are making a significant difference to the lives of others. Jennifer joins academics, those working in the sector, and other volunteers, who have changed the lives of older New Zealanders.

Read more about Jennifer's volunteer work. https://ageconcern.org.nz/our-impact/news/meaningful-change-does-not-always-come-through-grand-gestures/

🎉Congratulations Jennifer.

04/10/2026

Feeling connected, maintaining independence, and having choices that matter are all important parts of ageing well.

Moving into residential care can be a significant transition, not just because of a change in surroundings, but because of the impact it can have on a person's sense of belonging, routine, and control over their daily life.

Enliven Central's "Let's Rethink Ageing" campaign asks: "What if we've got ageing all wrong?" Their latest article explores why choice, connection, and meaningful relationships should remain at the heart of care.

Read the article:

Discover how Enliven Central transforms care into a homely experience, ensuring residents feel at home while fostering meaningful connections and participation.

02/10/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us to recognise the 2026 Age Concern New Zealand Huia Award winners. We appreciate your support for older people in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Congratulations to Margaret Dando and John Parsons: S2E

A huge thank you to Casey Costello MP, Minister for Seniors, for hosting the awards with us at Parliament.

01/10/2026

Yesterday was International Day of Older Persons. Thank you to everyone who joined us in acknowledging it and recognising the value of our kaumātua.

Let's not stop with one day - keep sharing stories with friends about an older people who has influenced or inspired you. Or set up to share a meal, visit, or phone call with an older person to stay connected or thank an older person in your community this weekend.

We’d love to hear stories, so please tag us .

Read more about:
https://ageconcern.org.nz/our-impact/campaigns/international-day-of-older-persons/

30/09/2026

When Margaret Dando first took up Tai Chi as a young mother and teacher in New Plymouth, she was simply looking for a way to relax and cope with life’s pressures. She could never have imagined that years later, her passion would help inspire programmes that now encourage more than 6,500 older New Zealanders each week to improve their strength, balance, confidence, and social connections.

It is this passion for bringing people together, creating joy, and supporting physical strength to prevent falls that makes Margaret a recipient of the Age Concern New Zealand Huia Awards 2026.

You can hear more about Margaret's story on TVNZ Breakfast this morning at 7.55am, and read about her here:
https://ageconcern.org.nz/our-impact/news/from-one-class-to-a-national-movement/

30/09/2026

Imagine drawing out $600 from your savings account, then proceeding to hand $60 to 10 strangers as you walk home. To John Parsons, Age Concern New Zealand’s latest Huia Award recipient, this analogy helps explain a common scam seen today where a criminal convinces people to send Prezzy Cards for payment.

John, a cyber safety educator who has worked alongside Age Concern Southland for more than a decade, was recognised for helping older people understand and avoid online scams. His practical approach and one-on-one support have helped hundreds of older people protect themselves from cybercrime and rebuild confidence after falling victim to scams.

Read more about John's work here: https://ageconcern.org.nz/our-impact/news/southland-cyber-safety-advocate-receives-national-huia-award/

🎉Congratulations John!
John Parsons: S2E

28/09/2026

Happy birthday, Louise!! 🎉

We'd like to wish Louise, our Manager, Social Connection, a very happy birthday today!

Louise has been working alongside Age Concerns, organisations, and volunteer networks to help ensure that older people feel safe and connected to their communities. We are inspired by her passion, expertise, and big heart for helping others.

In addition to being an all-round superstar, we feel incredibly grateful to have Louise as both a colleague and a friend. She never fails to make us laugh with her perfect timing and delivery, and we always enjoy her wit, as well as her stories of travels and adventures.

More than anything, we appreciate the thoughtful care and kindness she shows to each of us and to everyone she meets. We are so lucky to call ourselves her team.

Did we mention that she's a rockstar at quizzes?

Happiest birthday, Louise! We hope you have a fabulous day!