Free Courses for Older Drivers, events & news... |
|
|
It seems hard to believe, but half the year has gone already! July also marks the beginning of a number of changes in government and/or local body charges such as bus fares and GP fees (more details below).
There are also increases in some government payments and benefits.
We hope you'll enjoy this newsletter. It's filled with exciting opportunities, upcoming events, and useful information just for you.
Thank you for being a part of our wonderful community. You are valued! Please give us a call on 04 499 6646 or email info@acwellington.org.nz if you would like to get in touch with us.
|
STAYING SAFE FREE CLASS FOR OLDER DRIVERS |
Staying Safe is a FREE classroom-based refresher workshop for senior road users. Age Concern runs these workshops in partnership with NZTA/Waka Kotahi. They run from 10am till 2pm with refreshments provided. Please join us, even if you've already taken the course in the past.
Registration is required. To register for a class now, email events@acwellington.org.nz or click on the link here: https://www.acwellington.org.nz/events/staying-safe/
Next classes |
GUIDED TOUR OF PUKEAHU PARK |
Join us for a free one-hour guided tour of Pukeahu National War Memorial Park!
Pukeahu National War Memorial Park is the central place for New Zealanders to remember and reflect on this country's experience of war, military conflict, and peacekeeping, and how that experience shapes our ideals and sense of national identity.
We are working with Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture & Heritage to bring you free guided tours of this amazing park. When: Tuesday 29 July, 10.00 am to 12.00 noon Where: Meet at the Pukeahu Education Centre, 191 Tory street. Parking available by the Education Centre. Turn into 191 Education Centre's driveway, there is parking on the side there.
Bookings are essential so please email events@acwellington.org.nz to reserve your space. This programme is accessible for different mobility needs.
|
EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL WELLBEING WORKSHOP – UPPER HUTT
|
Adapting to experiences of change, loss and grief - Upper Hutt: Cossie Club, Wednesday 23 July, 10am - noon.
This Emotional and Mental Wellbeing Workshop is made available through a collaboration between Age Concern Wellington Region and the Catholic Social Services, using Seasons for Growth resources. The aim of the workshop is to strengthen the emotional and mental wellbeing of adults who are adapting to experiences of change, loss and grief in their lives, such as death, separation and divorce. It's a small group programme that combines psychology and education with peer support, within a person-centred learning approach. Suggested donation: $15 to help cover materials. Spaces limited.
When: Wednesday 23 July 2025, 10AM - 12PM Where: Upper Hutt Cossie Club, 11 Logan Street, Upper Hutt Only 2 places left! Please register by filling in the form online (click the blue button below). |
The monthly Upper Hutt Social Connection Hub is a social gathering for seniors where you can enjoy a light lunch and make new friends. When: 13 August, 12pm Where: Heretaunga Community Church, Upper Hutt Drop in or call 04 499 6646 for more information. |
WELLINGTON CENTRAL COFFEE GROUP |
Join Age Concern for our monthly coffee group for seniors.
When: Thursday 31 July 2025
Where: Special outing this month! Please call 027 248 0335 or email events@acwellington.org.nz for details.
|
Join Age Concern for our monthly coffee group for seniors: come by for some tea and coffee, and snacks, and a great speaker!
Email events@acwellington.org.nz for details. |
|
|
STEADY AS YOU GO FALLS PREVENTION CLASSES |
Our Steady As You Go exercise classes are available around the Wellington region. These classes are designed to improve strength and balance and help prevent a fall. Steady as You Go classes improve: -
Balance and leg strength
- Flexibility
- General fitness and wellbeing
And they are a great way to meet new people! Check out some of our available classes... all welcome! -
Wainuiomata (Wainuiomata Library), Tuesdays 11am
-
Newtown (Newtown Community Centre), Tuesdays noon
Upper Hutt, Te Kupenga o Rongomai/Maidstone Sports Hub, Tuesdays 11am -
Kilbirnie-Lyall Bay Community Centre, Tuesdays 1pm
-
Walter Nash Centre, Taitā, Tuesday 1:30pm
- Johnsonville Uniting Church, Tuesdays 1pm
Hataitai, All Saints Church, Wednesdays 12pm
*NEW* Strathmore, Wednesdays 12.30pm *NEW* -
Island Bay Community Centre, Wednesdays 1.30pm
-
Tawa Community Centre, Thursday 1pm
Walter Nash Centre, Taitā, Thursday 1.30pm -
Thorndon, Loaves and Fishes in the Anglican Cathedral, Fridays 1pm
To find out more about Steady As You Go and for a full list of Steady As You Go and Aligned To Go classes around the Region, click here or call 04 499 6646.
|
STEADY AS YOU GO ONLINE EXERCISE CLASSES – ALL WELCOME |
Wednesdays at 9:30am there is a livestream Steady As You Go class on Zoom. It's open to anyone - you don't need any prior experience. It is a gentle entry-level exercise class, and all you need to do is register by filling in the form online (click the blue button below). The link will be sent to you. Come and join the 20+ other seniors online for some gentle exercise fun together! |
|
|
CAN YOU JOIN OUR REGULAR DONOR TEAM? |
Did you know that Age Concern Wellington Region is a charity? Only about a quarter of our funding comes from the Government and another quarter from local Councils. We need to raise the rest of the funding we need to keep the programmes you've just read about in this newsletter going.
We have a team of donors who contribute to our work on a regular basis. Regular donations help us budget and plan for the future. Are you able to join our regular donor team? Even $10 per month makes a real difference!
To make a regular donation using our secure website, click the button below. Select your donation frequency using the drop down menu on the form. Or you can call us if you want to make a regular payment using internet banking directly. |
OFFICE FOR SENIORS – NEW DIRECTOR |
Nicky McDonald will join the Office for Seniors as the new Director on 25 August 2025.
Nicky has 30 years of public sector experience in both central and local government, most recently in senior leadership at Nelson City Council.
She has championed initiatives to improve outcomes for older people. Earlier in her career, Nicky held diplomatic roles with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, including positions with the New Zealand Permanent Mission to the United Nations and as Deputy High Commissioner in New Delhi. Welcome, Nicky! We look forward to working together. |
SEATOUN – CELEBRATE 10 YEARS OF WORK IN THE COMMUNITY |
Seatoun Village Hall and St Christopher’s are celebrating 10 years in the community. They are inviting locals to join them for afternoon tea, music and Zappo the Magician.
Sunday 10 August, 3.00 to 5,00 pm at the Seatoun Village Hall at 22 Forres Street, Seatoun. Even though St Christopher’s is located right next door, its address is 27 Ventnor Street. Both of these fabulous venues are just around the corner from the main bus stop and shops on Dundas Street. To help with catering if you know that you will be there, please feel free to drop them a line with numbers attending. seatounvillagehall@gmail.com More information: www.seatounvillage.co.nz |
NEW NETSAFE RESOURCES FOR OLDER PEOPLE |
Some of you may have received an email from Netsafe, but in case you didn’t, here is an overview.
Netsafe has launched phase two of their Get Set Up for Safety toolkit (20 free resources.
Whether you're using technology for work, fun, or staying connected with loved ones, staying safe online is possible if you’re armed with the right information.
At the Netsafe digital safety hub for older people you will find a range of short easy-to-read fact sheets, longer in-depth booklets, videos, and interactive activities on key online safety topics.
You can view these online, download them, print them out or share them with others. See the hub here: https://netsafe.org.nz/older-people You may already be following best practice, which is great! It’s always worth brushing up on digital safety and security, to give you peace of mind when online.
It’s Netsafety Week 2025, from July 28 – August 1. Check out the full programme and discover more details and how you can get involved at netsafe.org.nz/netsafety-week-2025
|
NEW ZEALAND IS SAYING GOODBYE TO 3G FOR MOBILE PHONES |
Are you ready for the change? From the beginning of 2026, New Zealand’s 3G mobile networks will be shut down. This is part of a global upgrade to 4G and 5G technology, to deliver a more reliable experience for consumers and future-proof connectivity. Any devices that rely on 3G technology in any way will no longer work after the shutdown. If your phone still relies on 3G for calling, you will not be able to make calls or texts, including 111 emergency calls.
Most people are already using 4G or 5G devices and won’t need to do anything. But if you’re unsure, it’s important to check your phone and other devices. Free text ‘3G’ to 550 to check your mobile device today!
All mobile provider networks will be shutting down including smaller Mobile Virtual Network Operator brands powered by the three main telcos (2degrees, One New Zealand and Spark).
What do you need to do?
Text ‘3G’ to 550 to check you can stay connected. If your device isn’t ready, you may need to update your device settings or software, or upgrade to a compatible device. Affordable options and support are available to support consumers through this transition.
For more details go to https://www.tcf.org.nz/digital-living/understanding-the-3g-shutdown |
DIABETES SCAMS ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Please be aware that there is a scam currently appearing on multiple social media platforms, relating to diabetes medication.
Images and video footage of Professor Rinki Murphy, a diabetes expert at Health NZ and Professor of Medicine at University of Auckland, are being used on social media to promote fake products. The material is sufficiently convincing for dozens of people to have contacted Professor Murphy, saying they have stopped taking their regular medication and sent money for various products to cure diabetes or to lose weight.
This type of health scam, which is becoming increasingly common, uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake videos of doctors, especially those who also do research. The doctor’s reputation is used to deceive and persuade people into buying scam products online. Some of the videos say things like “buy this 5 second method”, “take this cure for 27 days” or “these pills are NOT sold in pharmacies” or “Click here to find out more” – phrases like these are red flags.
We recommend that patients talk to their healthcare team before buying any health product online. They should never stop taking their regular diabetes medications, unless they have consulted with their medical team.
If you are aware of people who have been harmed or lost money in this way, please report the scam to NZ Police and Netsafe: https://netsafe.org.nz/ |
Writers on Mondays is a series of free weekly events coming up, mostly hosted at Te Papa on Mondays at 12:15, which you could really enjoy.
These are author talks with some wonderful writers from across New Zealand. There is a wide selection of writers covering different genres and includes winners of various sections of the Ockham Book awards and other prizes. For example the session on 7 July features Michelle Rahurahu who just won the ‘best first book’ award at the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, and other stars like Damien Wilkins, Michelle Duff and Jenny Patrick. The full programme is here: https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/modernletters/about/events/writers-mondays
|
Several national and local government fees were increased on 1 July. Most people are probably aware of the announced 2.2% rise in Metlink fares “in line with inflation”, but further investigation shows that the off-peak discount applied when a Snapper card is used on Metlink buses and trains is being reduced from 50% to 30%.
While the announced increase in GP fees is stated to be 3% there are instances when the rise may be more than that notified amount. If a practice accepts the full 9.13% funding increase being provided by government they have agreed to keep patient fee rises to no more than 3% – but some may opt for a smaller 6.43% funding boost, giving them more freedom to set fees higher. There are other changes as well. For example, Standards New Zealand, NZ Post, Ministry of Justice, ACC and possibly others have also raised the fees they charge for their services from 1 July. |
**ALERT**
UNSAFE "SERENE" BATHROOM HEATERS RECALLED |
Consumer Protection New Zealand has determined that there are potential fire risks with some models of Serene Bathroom heaters. Model S2068 has been found to be unsafe and models S207T and S2069 are non-compliant with safety standards. MBIE and suppliers have been working together to recall the products from the NZ market. This applies to all units imported, sold, or installed since June 2018. The model number is on the label on the top of the heater.
More information about this recall and the retailers who are working with MBIE:
If you have a Serene Wall mounted bathroom heater you are advised to check the model number and then go to https://www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/help-product-service/electronics-and-appliances/serene-bathroom-heaters-recall for guidance.
|
FREE TRI-SHAW RIDES – PETONE |
Riding with Olivia is the Lower Hutt chapter of the global Cycling Without Age charity and was established for the principal reason of providing a living and dynamic memorial to Olivia Marchant, a much-loved nurse in Lower Hutt for 24 years. Cycling Without Age was seen as the perfect vehicle to keep the memory of Olivia alive in Lower Hutt. Cycling Without Age is a non-profit organisation connecting those unable to ride for themselves with their community and the outdoors by providing free rides on trishaw ebikes piloted by volunteer cyclists.
Their 3 trishaws are currently based in the Petone Rowing Club building at 160 The Esplanade, Petone (under the Seashore Cabaret Cafe) and they currently limit their rides to the adjacent cycleway.
There is passenger information and a booking form HERE on their website. The rides can be as long (within reason) or as short as the passenger wishes. Typically between 10 minutes and an hour but up to the passenger and pilot to agree.
For further information visit the WEBSITE, or email info@ridingwitholivia.nz or phone/text Jeff at 0275717106.
Read more about the Cycling Without Age which began in Denmark in 2012.
|
FREE SOUP AT WALTER NASH CENTRE ON THURSDAYS |
Free soup is available (from the lovely volunteers at St Vincent de Paul) to anyone who may benefit. Available all winter until the end of Aug 2025 - each Thursday at Walter Nash Centre 10-12pm (or until it's gone). Come earlier to have some, take some home for later or to someone in need. Lower Hutt Neighbourhood Support will have a stall alongside the soup stall most Thursdays. |
NURSE-IN-PHARMACY – PORIRUA |
Life Pharmacy North City now offers a Nurse-In-Pharmacy service. This service is FREE for those eligible. Given the ongoing doctor shortages and challenges in securing appointments and access to healthcare in weekends and after hours, Life North City now has a nurse available in-store, 7 days a week.
Additionally, it offers support for online medical consultations. Monday to Saturday 9:30 to 6pm (Thurs till 9pm), Sunday 10-6pm
Cost: - Free to U14s and CSC holders. There may be a charge for others.
- Free virtual Doctor GP appointments if required – conditions apply
2 Titahi Bay Road, Porirua. Located inside the North City Shopping Centre near the New World Entrance. Walk in or make an appointment. Phone 04 237 5777 |
SOOTHING SONGS COMFORTING PEOPLE NEAR THE END OF LIFE |
Whakaahuru means to warm, to cherish or to comfort and that is the aim of the Whakaahuru Gentle Singers. The group will sing at the bedside (or chair side) of anyone who is nearing the end of life and would enjoy hearing some gentle songs. They aim to create a soothing, warm bath of sound that helps people relax - patients, their family and carers. They offer a free service throughout the Wellington Region. If you would like to request them to sing for someone you know, email whakaahuru@gmail.com, or call or text 022 355 6954. Visit their website for more information here https://whakaahuru.nz/
|
|
|
Useful Tips
From phone calls and text messages saying you owe money, need to claim a parcel, or must renew an important document, to emails and letters claiming to want to give you money or urgently needing you to renew a registration of some kind, there are countless approaches out there. Sadly, it's important to be on your guard.
Some useful tips include considering requests and asking yourself how the request makes you feel. It's also important never to enter passwords on unknown sites. Even clicking on a link in a text message can be dangerous. Scammers are good at making things seem urgent, so perhaps the most useful advice we've come across is to 'pause, reflect, protect."
Click here to try ANZ's Scams and fraud quiz to test your knowledge... |
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS AND CONTACTS
|
- For
emergencies dial 111
-
For non-emergency police matters dial 105
- If you are feeling anxious or just
need someone to talk to call or text 1737
-
Age Concern Wellington Region 04 499 6646 info@acwellington.org.nz
Alcohol Drug Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 787 797. You can also text 8691 for free
ASB Bank Senior Priority Direct Line 0800 272 119 Continence NZ Helpline 0800 650 659 -
Dementia Resources https://www.harrislist.co.nz/
Dementia Wellington 04 972 2595 - Depression Helpline (open 24/7) - 0800 111 757
Elder Abuse Wellington Helpline 04 805 0880
Entitlements: MSD Senior Services line 0800 552 002 -
Feedback address for Wellington Hospital at Feedback [CCDHB] Feedback@ccdhb.org.nz including improving the communication regarding queries and information from individual departments.
Financial dispute resolution services: Insurance and Financial Services Ombudsman: info@ifso.nz Financial Services Complaints 0800 347 257 complaints
Financial Dispute Resolution Service 0508 337 337 enquiries@fdrs.org.nz Banking Ombudsman Scheme 0800 805 950 help@bankomb.org.nz Greater Wellington Regional Council http://www.gw.govt.nz/
- Healthline (open 24/7) - 0800 611 116
Hutt City Council: huttcity.govt.nz/ or 04 570 6666
Kapiti Coast District Council: https://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz
Lifeline: qualified counsellors and trained volunteers: 0800 543 354 or free text 4357
Mental Health Foundation's free Resource and Information Service: 09 623 4812
Porirua City Council: poriruacity.govt.nz/ or 04 237 5089
Samaritans: confidential support, empathetic listeners: 0800 726 666 -
Suicide Crisis Helpline (open 24/7) - 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
-
Upper Hutt City Council: upperhuttcity.com/ or 04 527 2169
- WellElder: a counselling service for older people, or those supporting an older person. Wellington Region: 04 380 2440 (Tuesday - Thursday)
-
Wellington City Council: wellington.govt.nz or 04 499 4444
|
THANK YOU TO THE TRUSTS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT |
We really appreciate The Trusts Community Foundation's recent support! |
|
|
Age Concern Wellington Region is a registered charity. We are part of a wider network of more than 30 Age Concerns located across the country.
Visit our website to find out more about our work around the Wellington Region and how you can be involved
www.acwellington.org.nz
© Age Concern Wellington Region Trust
Charities # CC61759 |
|
|
|