Age Concern Auckland was formed in 1949 as the Auckland Old People's Welfare Council Inc. At that time there were no services for older people in Auckland - no Meals on Wheels, home help schemes, disability allowances, pensioner housing, rest home or private hospital subsidies.
Hundreds of older people were living in sustandard conditions in boarding and rooming houses in the central city area, often without bathing or cooking facilities.
Their plight was memorably shown in the pioneering New Zealand-made documentary film Indictment [link to NZ Film Archive].
In August 1949, Auckland Hospital Board convened a meeting of representatives of all sections of the community to discuss the needs of older people. The meeting recommended that a public meeting be called and an Auckland Old People’s Welfare Council be formed.
That December, a public meeting was called by the Mayor, and a Chairman, Secretary and executive committee representing organisations interested in the welfare of the aged were chosen. One of its main objectives was “to promote the general good of old people in and around the City of Auckland by assisting and co-ordinating the work of Statutory Authorities and voluntary organisations.”
In June 1950, a Registrar and Co-ordinating Officer was appointed to operate from home. In May 1952, an office was set up at the Town Hall, where it remained until 1959 when it moved to other city locations. In 1966, a new building called the Old People’s Welfare Centre opened in Newton, containing a cafeteria–lounge and administration section.
Ongoing activities included lobbying for increased provision of and subsidies for pensioner housing, supply of annual Christmas parcels, mid-winter parcels, and winter fuel. Later services introduced were chiropody, men’s hairdressing and indoor bowls, and seminars or workshops were run. In 1970, two part-time social workers were appointed and a minibus was purchased.
In 1982, due to operating losses already closing the cafeteria, and reduced patronage of the lounge, the decision was taken to sell the Newton property and use a room at the Town Hall.
In 1987, the council’s name was changed to Age Concern Auckland, with “Auckland Old People’s Welfare
Council” underneath.
In 1989, preliminary discussions were held to establish Accredited Visiting and Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention services. In February 1992, Mt Eden premises were occupied. In February 1993, Age Concern South Auckland was established.
In June 2006, Age Concern Auckland moved to Rosebank Rd, Avondale. The building is owned by
Age Concern Auckland.
> VIEW NZ Film Archive information on Indictment