Age Concern Nelson Tasman Magazine - Issue 3, 2025

Page 1


www.ageconcernnt.org.nz

Our new garden deck, built by the community for our community. Full details on pages 6 and 7.

A note from the Chair

Age Concern is busier than ever, partly a consequence of increasing numbers of people seeking support for multiple reasons.

When and where possible, we try to offer our services in person which often means coming to your place. However, if you live in Richmond there is easy access to our main office on Oxford St with the wonderful new deck to enjoy. If you live in Nelson, we have an office on Bridge St. Should you live in the Motueka area we have a smaller office by the Motueka library. If you live in Golden Bay, don’t fret because you are on our radar. However, having someone ‘over the hill’ requires the availability of a ‘space’ and funding to cover the costs.

It’s not surprising our spacious office in the middle of Nelson continues to attract increasing numbers of people popping in to seek advice and/or accessing one of our services. Its popularity as a place to meet is not surprising given the warm decor and homey feeling. Members and non-members are welcome to pop in for a chat or take time out from doing your other chores. Although our office in Motueka is a much smaller space,

Contact Information

Phone: (03) 544 7624

Email: manager@ageconcernnt.org.nz

Richmond Office

62 Oxford Street, Richmond, Nelson 7020

OFFICE HOURS: 8.30am - 4.30pm Mon-Fri

Nelson Office

18 Bridge Street, Nelson 7010

OFFICE HOURS: 9am - 2pm Tues-Thurs

Motueka Office

20 Wallace Street, Motueka, 7020

OFFICE HOURS: 9am - 12noon Tues - Thurs

you can ‘pop in’ to see Tanya. but to be sure, you’re best to arrange a meeting with her. The equation for expanding in the future is simple. How, where and when we offer our services is determined by what’s in the ‘piggy bank’. Although currently offering support for considerable numbers of people beyond Nelson city and the greater Richmond area, we’d like to satisfy the needs of many more. Thank you for considering a donation to allow us to achieve this ideal.

Bevan C Grant

Thank you to our supporters

As a registered charity, Age Concern Nelson Tasman is hugely appreciative of the funding that enables us to continue to grow and provide services to the 65+ population across the region.

We rely on our contacts with local authorities and government, grants from funders,

Thanks to our major sponsors and funders

Thanks to our major sponsors and funders

McKee Trust

McKee Trust

membership, individual donations, corporate sponsorship and legacy bequests. Each and every dollar makes a difference.

If you’d like to donate, contribute, sponsor or help in some way, please contact the Manager Caroline on 03 544 7624, ext. 1, or email: manager@ageconcernnt.org.nz.

Thanks to our project sponsors and funders

Thanks to our project sponsors and funders

Richmond, Tasman, NZ

Thanks for the donations in kind

Thanks for the donations in kind

Thanks to YOU for your generous donation

Thanks to YOU for your generous donation

Frimley Foundation

Foundation

Frimley

Meet the Staff

Manager Caroline Budge

Caroline oversees the direction of the agency and working with the wider community to raise awareness of issues facing older people.

Community Support Coordinator

Jackie’s role involves working at a community level to ensure older people maintain their independence.

Social Connection and Projects

Marnie Brown

Marnie works at a community level to promote social connections and reduce social isolation.

Donor Engagement and Marketing Advisor

Anthea is bringing her marketing and digital expertise to helping grow our fundraising efforts and community awareness.

Office Manager

Liz Gillespie

Liz provides a welcoming face to our Richmond Office as well as overseeing the agency’s finances.

Nelson Office Coordinator

Megan provides a friendly welcoming face at our Nelson office and coordinates all our Nelson based activities.

Visiting Service & Carer Relief

Our Visiting Service and Carer Relief Service uses volunteers to offer companionship and friendship to those seeking more social connection.

Elder Abuse Response Service Advisor, Kate Miller, Tanya Charles and Jamie Pottage

Older people can find themselves in a vulnerable situation quite suddenly and we are here to offer support and advice to whoever needs it.

Susan Arrowsmith & Joleen McEvoy

New Garden Deck Built by the Community

Over the past 6 months, a remarkable transformation has taken place at Age Concern Nelson Tasman’s Richmond office with the creation of a beautiful new garden deck. What began as an ambitious idea to improve our outdoor space has blossomed into a powerful story of community spirit, hands-on learning, and generosity.

Construction began earlier this year with the help of the Kaitiaki Whenua Trainee Rangers from Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT), under the guidance of their instructors. Braving all weather, including a sun shower or two, these dedicated trainees threw themselves into the work, gaining valuable experience while giving back to their community. From digging holes and pouring concrete piles to mastering the circular saw, the team brought energy and enthusiasm to every task. Their mahi laid the foundation for the deck, quite literally. We couldn’t have completed this project without the generous effort from Whakatū

Rotary, who contributed not only a financial donation but also a commited team of hardworking volunteers who gave their time, labour, and expertise. With spades, drills, and concrete mixers in hand, these Rotarians and friends made a real difference on-site.

Alongside these hands-on contributions, we’re incredibly grateful for the financial support from Rātā Foundation, Pub Charity, and Richmond Lions Club, as well as several individual donors who all played a role in bringing the project to life.

On Monday, 7 July, we gathered on the deck under the clear winter sky for a simple blessing, led by our Board Member and

Kaumatua Harvey Ruru. A cheerful waiata filled the air, followed by afternoon tea enjoyed on the sunlit deck. This was a fitting end to the build phase and a joyful moment to acknowledge everyone who had helped make it possible. Representatives from our funders, volunteer helpers, Board Members and staff celebrated our new space that will now host conversations, shared moments,

and community connection for years to come. This project has truly been a collaborative achievement, showcasing the power of partnerships and the heart of community. To everyone who picked up a shovel, shared their skills, provided funding, or simply cheered us on, thank you.

But the best is yet to come! The final phase will see the garden itself come to life and we’d love your help to make it happen. We’re currently seeking donations to fund the purchase of plants and outdoor furniture to truly transform it into a vibrant and welcoming area. We can’t wait to see the surrounding

planter boxes bursting with colour in spring. In other exciting news, we will be recruiting a volunteer to lead and coordinate the design and ongoing maintenance of this garden area. If you’re interested in this role, please keep an eye out for the job posting via Volunteer Nelson.

For now, we’re proud to have created something more than just a deck, it’s a platform for connection, inclusion, and community. Pop on down to 62 Oxford St and take a look for yourself, we’d love to see you.

Activities from our offices

Activities from our Richmond Office Regular Events

• Sing Yourself Well, where the focus is on fun and wellbeing, first and third Tuesday of the month: 10am – 11:30am

• Tea & Talk, cuppa and a chat, every Wednesday, 10am – 11:30am

• SpinPoi, a gentle movement class, every Thursday, from 1pm - 2pm Special Events

• Legal Bites: Wills, Tuesday, 9th September, 11am - 12pm

• Annual Celebration, Monday, 15th September, 2pm – 3:30pm

• WINZ - What help is available, Wednesday, 17th September, 1 pm – 2pm

• Legal Bites: EPOA, Tuesday, 23rd September, 11am - 12pm

• Legal Bites: Residential Care Subsidy, Tuesday, 14th October, 11am - 12pm

If you want to attend any of these events, or need more information, please contact Marnie on 544 7624 ext 5 or email ageconnect@ageconcernnt.org.nz

Activities from our Nelson Office Regular Events

• SpinPoi, a gentle movement class, every Tuesday from 1pm - 2pm

• Tea & Talk, cuppa and a chat, every Thursday, 10am – 11:30am Special Events

• Advance Care Planning information session, with Mary Ann Hardcastle from Nelson Bays Primary Health, Wednesday 12 November, 1pm - 2pm

If you want to attend any of these events, or need more information, please contact Megan on 544 7624 ext 0 or 021 623 118 or email nelson@ageconcernnt.org.nz

For Older Drivers

Life without a Car: Living without a car doesn’t have to limit your activities or prevent you from enjoying life. Come along and find out how to maintain your independence and freedom.

• Wednesday 10th September 2pm - 4pm at Summerset Richmond Ranges

• Monday 17th November 1pm - 2:30pm at Age Concern, 18 Bridge St, Nelson

Staying Safe Driving: This is a classroombased workshop that offers a road rule refresher. Led by a qualified driving instructor, it covers all the basic road rules as well as time for Q&A.

• Monday 6th October 10am - 12:30pm at Hinemoa Croquet Club Nelson

• Tuesday 11th November 12:30pm – 3pm at Motueka Over 50s Social Hub

If you want to register or learn more, please contact Jackie 544 7624 ext 4 or email community@ageconcernnt.org.nz

CELEBRATING TOGETHER

To thank our valued members and supporters, we’re once again holding an Annual Celebration, a chance to share our work, our impact, and our plans for the year ahead.

We’d love you to be part of this special afternoon as we highlight the past year, celebrate achievements, acknowledge supporters, and look forward to what’s next. Join us for good company, delicious afternoon tea and hopefully some sunshine to enjoy our beautiful new deck. The event will also include a brief segment for the Charitable Trust’s AGM with our Board of Trustees in attendance. Everyone is welcome - members, friends, and anyone interested in our work.

To register, please contact Marnie on 544 7624 ext 5 or email ageconnect@ageconcernnt.org.nz

CAB joins the Nelson Office

We’re very happy to welcome Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) Nelson Tasman into our Bridge Street office on Mondays & Fridays 9am to 4:30pm.

After 20 years on Paru Paru Road, CAB Nelson has relocated and sharing the workspace at our Age Concern Nelson Tasman offices at 18 Bridge St, Nelson.

CAB provides free, confidential advice and information for people of all ages, covering everything from tenancy, employment, and consumer rights, to navigating government services. Whether you’re facing a tricky situation or just need to know your rights, CAB is there to help. The CAB team still have their main office in Richmond at 9a Cambridge Street, just across the road from our Richmond office and you’ll find them there Monday to Thursday, 9am–4.30pm.

services and support specifically for older people, including social connection, elder abuse prevention, advice, and advocacy.

Together with CAB, we’re proud to offer a wider range of support in one friendly and accessible location in the heart of Nelson. This collaboration brings together two trusted, community-minded services working to improve wellbeing and access to support. Welcome, CAB Nelson Tasman – we’re proud to be working alongside you!

Office Hours at 18 Bridge Street, Nelson

• Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson

Open Mondays & Fridays, 9am–4.30pm

• Age Concern Nelson Tasman

Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 9am–2pm

This means there’s something happening at 18 Bridge Street almost every weekday, a great use of shared space that benefits our community all week long.

If you need advice or support, pop into their offices or get in touch, CAB is just a call or email away. Phone 03 548 2117 or email nelsontasman@cab.org.nz

Wills Month

September is Wills Month across Aotearoa, a timely reminder of how important it is to have an up-to-date Will and Enduring Power of Attorney in place.

If you need to help with getting started, the team at Citizen’s Advice Bureau (in Nelson or Richmond) can provide some guidance. They cannot write your Will for you and do not provide Will templates or Will-making kits but they can help you explore your wishes and connect you to further resources.

If you are considering making a Real Estate decision or would simply just like to know where your property sits in the current market call me today for a no obligation appraisal.

M: 021 760 068 P: 03 544 2900

E: michelle.westrupp@summit.co.nz

You can also join our upcoming Legal Bites Series at Age Concern Nelson Tasman, 62 Oxford Street, Richmond:

• Wills, Tuesday, 9th September, 11am12pm

• Enduring Power of Attorney, Tuesday, 23rd September, 11am - 12pm

• Residential Care Subsidy, Tuesday, 14th October, 11am - 12pm

If you’d like to discuss the option of leaving a gift to Age Concern in your Will please contact the Manager Caroline on 03 544 7624, ext 1, or email: manager@ageconcernnt.org.nz

We appreciate your gift, no matter how much. Big or small, your legacy will make a difference in the years to come.

Living Well Course

In the wake of the recent flooding across Nelson Tasman region, many people have felt understandably unsettled and overwhelmed. For older people in particular, major events like this can highlight how vulnerable we are to sudden disruption, to our routines, our health, and our sense of security.

We’re bringing our popular Living Well course to Motueka this October to help Tasman locals rebuild resilience and connect in their community.

This seven-week holistic course is designed to support older people to live well, not just physically, but emotionally and socially. Starting Tuesday 28 October, the programme explores key areas including staying connected, managing stress and grief, healthy eating, good sleep, and gentle movement. Each session runs from 1–2pm at the Motueka

Library, with guest speakers and practical tips each week.

Places are limited so registrations are essential! For bookings or more information, please contact Marnie on 544 7624 ext 5 or email ageconnect@ageconcernnt.org.nz

More than Tea & Talk

The Shed is home to our weekly Tea & Talk event in Motueka, but did you know it offers so much more? Open five days a week (10am–2pm), The Shed is a fully funded day service provided by Gateway Housing Trust in partnership with Te Whatu Ora. The Shed provides a welcoming day service for adults,

providing meaningful activities in a safe, supportive environment. Participants help create monthly programmes including art, education, wellness, outings, and time in nature, plus there are opportunities to join community events. Qualified staff work with each person to set goals and support wellbeing. Self-referrals are welcome, along with referrals from health professionals, counsellors, and support services across the region.

To find out more visit www.ght.co.nz, email admin@ght.co.nz or just pop along to Tea & Talk on Wednesday to have a cuppa and a chat. We’ve got a lovely group of regulars and newcomers are always welcome!

SUPPORTING SENIORS with life’s practicalities

Third Age Solutions® takes the hassle out of everyday tasks, providing advocacy and confidential administration support for seniors. Whether it’s organising services so people can remain independent for longer or solving problems, the aim is to help find solutions and get things sorted.

Bev Wells developed her business after seeing people excluded through a reliance on technology, the complexity and amount of paperwork, and less opportunity to meet in person to sort out issues. This compounds to become a greater problem, creating frustration and keeps people awake at night.

Bev tailors her services to suit and works with seniors or their power of attorney, particularly if out-of-town or also older and needing assistance to carry out their duties.

It is preferable to put plans in place before circumstances change, so Bev encourages people to get their affairs in order with important documents up-to-date such as Powers of Attorney, Wills and Advance Care Plans.

Third Age Solutions also sells document organiser bags that are fireproof and waterproof, making it easy to access essential documents. They are an ideal ‘Grab and Go’ bag in emergencies like floods or fire, and store vital papers ready for trusted advisors, attorneys or executors to easily locate when needed. Often Bev hears families have been told where to find things but under stress, people can have varying memories on what was said or the documents have been moved. Bev can also advise on what’s important to save and help to fill the bag if needed.

There are two sizes and people say the larger bag is ideal for couples or keeping Trust documents together and the smaller bag if your affairs have been downscaled. Children see them as perfect gifts for parents or adult children. The need is multi-generational!

Bev is an approved provider on the Age Concern Care and Repair Register and can receive queries through this channel. She is experienced working with the aged care sector and previously worked in estates administration. She is well-organised and has a calm, friendly approach. You can trust Bev to keep your best interests at heart and in confidence. During the week, Bev also manages the Nelson Hearing Association and is an active Rotarian in the community.

Get in touch and let’s see how we can work together to give you peace of mind things will get sorted.

Phone: +64 21 569 249

Email: bev@thirdagesolutions.co.nz www.thirdagesolutions.co.nz/contact

No License? NO PROBLEM! It’ll get you and your partner wherever you need to go!

TM7 | $6,500

Electric Mobility Plus Tricycle with Canopy

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Electric Mobility Plus Tricycle

The TS2 is lightweight and great for limited space.

• International travel scooter – battery is removable

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