Conference success
This year’s Age Concern Conference and AGM took place against a background of momentous events.
Earthquakes and extreme weather, and political change have all affected older people. "Age Concern's aim to ‘serve the needs of older people’ is especially relevant when these needs are so sharply exposed,” Age Concern’s national president Liz Baxendine told those attending the Wellington event.
Guests included Prime Minister John Key, Minister of Health Tony Ryall (pictured at right with Deputy Chair Evelyn Weir), researchers, clinicians, senior public servants and, on the first afternoon, members of the interested public.
Liz Baxendine said the energy and enthusiasm of the current generation of older people had helped to build New Zealand as we know it today, but these seniors are not accorded the recognition they deserve.
“New Zealand mustn’t write-off older people as a burden or a 'silver tsunami' that will eventually disappear. It is imperative that we maintain an acceptable quality of life for older people. That’s the hallmark of a successful society.”
Older people still make a contribution to the country and this must be acknowledged and encouraged by the business community, Government agencies and politicians from every party.
> READ our Conference programme
Light shone on Super puzzle
Older New Zealanders rely on Superannuation for the bulk of their income, but there is surprisingly little research on its adequate level needed to maintain seniors’ quality of life. We aimed to shine more light on this issue with a Conference panel discussion.
Liz Baxendine [left] facilitated a panel including Assoc Prof. Judith Davey (VUW), Dianna Crossan (Retirement Commissioner), Gabriel Makhlouf [centre, speaking] (Treasury Deputy Chief Executive), Dr Ganesh Nana (BERL), superannuitant Rei Ngatai and – by video- Charles Waldegrave (Family Centre researcher).
NZS only gives an annual income in the hand of around $13,600-$17,700 per person. An increase which is fully possible under current legislation could give beneficiaries an extra $25 to $30 per week after tax.
New Board member elected at AGM
A well-known company director and former Crown minister has been elected to the Age Concern New Zealand Board. The Hon Stan Rodger was elected at Age Concern’s 13 April AGM, adding Board membership to his wide range of governance roles.
This month...
A speech at the Conference provided valuable advice for organisations such as ours seeking to enhance service delivery to older Maori. Professor Chris Cunningham of Massey University's Research Centre for Māori Health and Development told us we will need to take account of the diversity that will be seen as numbers of older Maori increase.
"We need to understand this diversity is in place so there is not going to be a one Maori solution which fits all when it comes to services."
PM at the Conference
John Key restated his promise to resign rather than change Super eligibility but warned that there would be no election-year special benefits.
> PICTURE Rt Hon John Key speaks to delegates including President Liz Baxendine (second from left).
> LINK to media report [opens external website]
Conference, from start to finish…
Bill Aston from Age Concern Tairawhiti speaks for the Manuhiri during the Powhiri. Board member Winton Davies spoke for the Tangata Whenua.
Main picture (top of page) Chief Executive Ann Martin facilitates the Conference final plenary session.