Age Concern Nelson Tasman Magazine - Issue 4, 2025 by AgeConcernNelsonTasman

www.ageconcernnt.org.nz

Read about our wonderful student volunteers bridging generations over Tea & Talk. Full details pages 6 and 7.

Contact Information A note from the Chair NEW V

A note from the Chair

It’s a privilege to introduce myself as the new Chair of Age Concern Nelson Tasman. I have been a member of the Board for the past twelve years and previously served as

Treasurer before stepping into the Chair role. I’m honoured to continue supporting our work to help older people across Nelson Tasman stay connected, respected, and well.

It’s a privilege to introduce myself as the new Chair of Age Concern Nelson Tasman. I have been a member of the Board for the past twelve years and previously served as Treasurer before stepping into the Chair role. I’m honoured to continue supporting our work to help older people across Nelson Tasman stay connected, respected, and well.

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

As we begin this new chapter, I would like to acknowledge Caroline Budge, who will finish as Manager in December after eight years of dedicated leadership. Caroline has guided ACNT through a period of growth and expansion. Her warmth, vision, and commitment have built a strong and caring organisation that makes a real difference in people’s lives. On behalf of the Board, staff, members and volunteers, I extend our thanks and best wishes as she embarks on her next chapter. I would also like to recognise Bevan Grant, who has stepped down as Chair after many years of service and now continues as a valued Trustee. Bevan’s thoughtful leadership has helped steer the organisation with wisdom and integrity.

News, updates, events & activities are also shared on our website & Facebook page www.ageconcernnnt.org.nz facebook.com/AgeConcernNelsonTasman

OFFICE HOURS: 9am - 2pm Tues-Thurs

18 Bridge Street, Nelson 7010

OFFICE HOURS: 9am - 2pm Tues-Thurs

Motueka Office

20 Wallace Street, Motueka, 7020

Motueka Office

OFFICE HOURS: 9am - 12noon Tues - Thurs

20 Wallace Street, Motueka, 7120

OFFICE HOURS: 9am - 12noon Tues - Thurs

Christmas holidays

��Christmas holidays ��

Our offices will close on 24th December, opening again the week starting 5th January.

Our offices will be closed from 23 December opening again the week starting 5 January

Looking ahead, we see an ever-increasing demand for our services, and I am confident that ACNT will continue to build on its strong foundation. In light of the growing hyper-ageing trend within our region, we must also strengthen our fundraising and resourcing efforts to expand capacity, meet rising demand, and ensure that older people continue to receive the quality support they deserve.

Looking ahead, we see an ever-increasing demand for our services, and I am confident that ACNT will continue to build on its strong foundation. In light of the growing hyperageing trend within our region, we must also strengthen our fundraising and resourcing efforts to expand capacity, meet rising demand, and ensure that older people continue to receive the quality support they deserve.

As we move into summer, a time that can feel especially isolating for some, I invite you to support our Summer Appeal. Your generosity helps us continue to deliver our vital services and ensures that Nelson Tasman remains a place where people can age well.

Lynley Lee

Lynley Lee Chairperson, Age Concern Nelson Tasman

Chairperson, Age Concern Nelson Tasman

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

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 on 03 544 7624, ext. 1, or email: manager@ageconcernnt.org.nz

Thanks to our project sponsors and funders

Richmond, Tasman, NZ

Thanks for the donations in kind

Thanks to YOU for your generous donation

Foundation

03-1354-0596782-00

Your surname

Frimley

Meet the Staff

Office Manager

Liz Gillespie

Housing Support Advisor

Angela Zame

Elder Abuse Response Advisors

Tanya Charles, Jamie Pottage & Kate Miller (Until Dec 2025)

Nelson Office Coordinator

Megan Cole

Community Support Coordinator

Jackie McIntyre

A warm welcome to Angela who joined us in October 2025 in our new housing role for Nelson city. As a qualified occupational therapist and having worked in a variety of

Visiting Service & Carer Relief

Susan Arrowsmith & Joleen McEvoy

Social Connection & Projects

Marnie Brown

Donor Engagement & Marketing Advisor

Anthea Kirk

community-based rehabilitative settings, mainly with older clients, Angela brings a rich background and valuable know-how to help create and shape this new role.

Fond Farewells

After over ten years with Age Concern Nelson Tasman, and almost eight as Manager, Caroline Budge has decided to step down from the role at the end of the year. She reflects on her time with us.

When I first started as Funding, PR & Events Coordinator in February 2014, I could never have imagined that just a few years later I’d be in the privileged position of leading the team. In March 2018, I took over the reins from Sue Tilby, who had done an incredible job transitioning Age Concern from a oneperson operation into a growing, thriving, and respected six-person team.

Since then, we’ve continued to grow. Over the past seven-plus years, our team has doubled to 12, and we’ve opened two satellite offices – in Nelson and Motueka. Our Elder Abuse team has expanded to three, and we’ve introduced several new services along the way, including the All on Board eBus programme, and Care & Repair.

So while it’s a bittersweet decision to leave – and I’ll miss the team and our work hugely – I know the agency is in excellent shape. We have a fantastic staff of committed, passionate, and highly professional people, and a strong Board of Trustees with the vision and skills to continue our journey.

It’s hard to pick out specific highlights from my time here. What will stay with me most are the personal stories from our clients, volunteers, and members – stories of how Age Concern helped someone out of a tough situation, offered friendship, gave them a place to call ‘home’, or created opportunities to connect with others. The mahi we do makes a real difference in the lives of older adults across the region, and I’m incredibly proud to have been part of that.

To everyone I’ve connected with over the years – thank you. And a special thank you to our amazing volunteers, who help us deliver such vital services in the community.

See you later

Kate Miller, our Elder Abuse Response Advisor, has decided to hang up her hat and retire.

With a long career in mental health, education, primary care, and needs assessment, Kate has spent the past three years with Age Concern. While she’s loved her time here, Kate is looking forward to spending more time with her family, especially the new granddaughter.

Her last day will be 17th December, though we’re sure we’ll see her around, continuing to support the work of Age Concern. A huge thank you to Kate for her warmth, professionalism, and the care she has shown to so many. We’ll miss her greatly and wish her all the best for her retirement.

Bridging Generations at Tea & Talk in Richmond

Every Wednesday morning, the Richmond Tea & Talk group buzzes with conversation and the comforting clink of teacups. Among the regulars are two Waimea College Year 13 students, Ella Sivignon and Mimi Chittranuch who’ve become familiar friendly faces.

Curiosity Turned Connection

For Ella, the journey to Age Concern began quite by chance. She often went past the Richmond office while out walking her dog and grew curious about what went on inside. Ella mentioned it to her friend Mimi, who had already been thinking about volunteering at Age Concern and together they made the decision to find out more. Welcomed by Marnie and introduced to Tea & Talk and the Wellby Talking Café sessions, they quickly knew it was something they wanted to be part of, a simple but effective way to connect with others and make a difference.

A Morning of Conversation

Each Wednesday, the pair arrive to a warm greeting and a freshly brewed cup of tea. They make a point of sitting in different places to ensure they get to know everyone. As the room fills with chatter, they move around and enjoy morning tea, and simply start talking and listening to the people around them

Ella says she loves the listening side of Tea & Talk: “Although I share parts of my life, I love hearing others tell stories of their past and the passion they hold with each memory. Conversations can go from casual to serious, which makes them so exciting.”

Both students have had moments that have stayed with them. Ella recalls one morning when, as she was leaving to go back to school, the woman she’d been chatting with squeezed her hand and told her how grateful she was for their conversations and her eyes were filled with tears. “That moment really showed me how much small connections can mean,” she says.

Mimi had a similar experience when an attendee shared the impact of their time together. “I was saying goodbye to this lady, and before she walked away, she said that she has lovely people in her life, and I am one of them. It was such a wholesome moment and made me so happy.”

Mimi & Ella at Tea & Talk in Richmond

Learning Across Generations

Through their time at Age Concern, Ella and Mimi have both discovered new perspectives on ageing, empathy, and community. Ella says volunteering has given her valuable insights into loneliness and the resilience of older adults. “I no longer see them as a separate group,” she says. “They’re people with so much wisdom to share.” She also admits she used to find social situations challenging but has become much more confident through her volunteering and she has now grown more comfortable engaging with others.

Mimi agrees. “You get to know so much from the older adults, they give advice that’s genuinely useful because they’ve experienced so much more than we have. I’ve learned patience, confidence, and communication skills, especially when I need to repeat things or listen carefully. It’s taught me to slow down and really connect.”

Rata, Mimi and Joan together at Tea & Talk

Volunteer with us!

Many of our services could not happen without the time and support of our 150+ volunteers, people just like Ella & Mimi. Would you be interested in joining us as a volunteer? We’d love to hear from you.

Encouraging Others

Both students say Tea & Talk has become one of the most meaningful parts of their week and they’d love to see more young people get involved. “I would strongly encourage other students to volunteer at Age Concern,” says Ella. “Sitting down for a chat might seem like such a small thing, but it can seriously mean so much to someone. It can brighten up their day as well as your own.”

Mimi agrees. “It’s such a heart-warming thing not just for them, but for you too. That is one of the best feelings ever. Age Concern creates such a positive, happy community.”

Next year, Ella plans to work in Nelson before heading to Europe to pursue her lifelong dancing dream, followed by a career in nursing. Mimi is off to the University of Canterbury to study Mathematics and Astronomy and already plans to connect with Age Concern and SPCA in Christchurch. Both are sure they’ll keep volunteering wherever life takes them. We think any organisation would be lucky to have them.

Learn more about volunteering

Contact Susan 03 544 7624 ext 3 coordinator@ageconcernnt.org.nz

Darryl, Ella, Lawrence & Jeff enjoying a chat

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 – 11am

• SpinPoi, a gentle movement class, every Thursday, 1pm – 2pm

Activities from our Nelson Office Regular Events

• SpinPoi, a gentle movement class, every Tuesday: 1pm – 2pm

• Ukulele and Singing, combination of singing and strumming, every Wednesday: 10am – 11am

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

Contact the team to learn more or make a booking for our events & activities

03 544 7624

Advance Care Planning Workshop

• 28 Jan, 12:30-1:30pm (Richmond office)

• 29 Apr, 12:30-1:30pm (Nelson office)

• 6 May, 11am-12pm (Richmond office)

Please register directly with Mary-Ann Hardcastle at NBPH 021 790 967

More Stable More Able Falls prevention programme

• 27 Jan, 1pm-3:30pm (Richmond office)

• 19 Mar, 1pm-3:30pm (Nelson office)

• 21 Apr, 1pm-3:30pm (Richmond office)

Contact Angela Baker at NBPH for bookings, and more dates & locations 021 790 415

Our Nelson and Richmond SpinPoi groups were a crowd favourite at our celebratory afternoon tea for International Day of Older Persons on 30th September, providing a sparkling performance and a chance for others to try twirling the poi.

Thanks to our Hummin’ Strummers from the Nelson Ukulele and Singing group who joined our Annual Celebration on 15th September, bringing some extra toe-tapping entertainment.

Finish & Start Dates for our regular activities

Tasman Dementia Care

We create a loving, warm and homely atmosphere where each person is supported to experience each moment richly

OUR PASSION AND EXPERTISE IS CARING FOR PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA 14 Browning Crescent, Stoke, Nelson Please contact us on (03) 547 6867 www.tasmanrh.co.nz

Talk to our friendly and experienced team at Shone & Shirley. It costs nothing to have a conversation. Experience the difference of our locally owned funeral home

03 546 5700 | funerals@shoneandshirley.co.nz www.shoneandshirley.co.nz

We will have a brief break over the Christmas period. Thanks so much to everyone who has attended our regular activities over the course of the year.

Thanks to the team at Good Bitches Baking for providing delicious morning tea for several of our Tea & Talk events.

Events 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.

• Wed 18th Feb, 2pm - 3:30pm at Stillwater Lifecare & Village

We’ll continue to hold more Older Driver workshops and CarFit sessions throughout year.

Staying Safe Driving: Our classroom-based workshop 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.

• Wed 28th Jan, 10am - 12:30pm at Olive Estate Lifestyle Village

• Tues 17th March, 10am - 12:30pm at Age Concern Nelson office, 18 Bridge St

Contact Jackie 03 544 7624 ext 4 community@ageconcernnt.org.nz

Growing Connections

We’re thrilled to welcome Haidi Spence as our new Volunteer Garden Coordinator. With her depth of horticultural experience and creative eye for transforming outdoor spaces, we feel very lucky to have Haidi leading the next phase of our Garden Deck Project at our Richmond office.

Haidi is a qualified amenity horticulturist with more than 20 years’ experience working in public parks, private gardens, and open spaces across Australia and New Zealand. Locally, she’s known for her work with Nelson City Council, where she managed the historic Broadgreen Rose Gardens, and for her passion for sustainable, resourceful gardening through her business Your Garden Guide.

Her first task with us was to design a sensoryfriendly garden, a space that’s full of texture, fragrance, colour, and calm. Once the plan was ready, we reached out to the public with a request for specific plants, and the response was amazing. Soon after, we held a working bee with team members rolling up their sleeves and helping to plant and mulch the garden under Haidi’s wise guidance.

“It’s been wonderful to see so many people and local businesses contribute,” shared Haidi. “Every plant in the ground represents someone’s care for this space and the people who’ll enjoy it.” With only a few final plants to find (still looking for a lemon verbena!) the garden is nearly complete. Thanks to Haidi’s leadership and hard work plus the kindness of our community, our Richmond space is fast becoming a vibrant garden of connection, colour, and care. Pop by and see for yourself at 62 Oxford Street in Richmond.

With THANKS to:

• Our Age Concern members and the wider community who have donated plants and money.

• Haidi from Your Garden Guide

• Thirkettle Nurseries and Dean’s Nursery who donated plants and trees

• Millers Firewood & Landscape Supplies for the compost

• Patrick Higgins Arborist for the mulch

Please support these local businesses who have supported us so generously!

Planning with Confidence: Legal Essentials for Later Life

As we get older, it’s important to give some earnest thought to how best to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the things we’ve worked hard for. Taking time now to get your legal affairs in order allows you to live with confidence and peace of mind for the years ahead.

Whether you’re updating your will, arranging an enduring power of attorney, or considering a move into a retirement village, we can guide you through the process with care and clarity.

A well-drafted will ensures your wishes are honoured and your family is spared unnecessary stress. That might mean organising your home and other assets, so they pass smoothly to the people you choose or recording your funeral wishes. It may also involve setting aside personal keepsakes or mementos for family and friends; or reviewing who you’ve named as beneficiaries to ensure your plans reflect your current circumstances.

An enduring power of attorney lets you decide who can make important decisions for you if you’re unable to do so in future. It’s an essential safeguard - ensuring that someone you trust can manage your finances, property, and personal care in line with your values and preferences. Putting these in place now provides reassurance that your affairs will always be handled with respect and care and can avoid unnecessary expense in the future.

If you’re exploring licence-to-occupy agreements for retirement living, it’s vital to understand your rights and obligations before signing. We can also assist with selling your home, whether that be for downsizing or looking at retirement village options.

Our experienced team takes the time to listen, explain your options in plain English, and tailor solutions to your individual circumstances. We believe good planning isn’t just about documentsit’s about dignity, security, and choice.

Let’s make sure your next chapter is well protected, so your documentation meets the legal requirements.

Protect what matters most with trusted legal advice for later life.

— Wills & Estate Planning

— Enduring Powers of Attorney

— Retirement Village Agreements and Buying and Selling Houses

Our friendly, experienced team is here to help you plan with clarity, confidence, and care.

Tavendale + Partners

94 Nile Street, Nelson +64 3 546 9995

Fridays Full of Friendship

Since 2017, volunteer Karen Grey has been giving her time to Age Concern Nelson Tasman through our Visiting Service and Carer Relief programme. In March 2023, she was matched with Kay Smith, 86, who is chairbound following a stroke.

Every Friday afternoon, Karen spends time with Kay so her daughter and full-time carer can have a well-earned break. In that time, the two have become firm friends. They share laughs together, deep conversations, and enjoy “putting the world to rights.” Karen’s visits are never dull: they’ve knitted a teddy together, watched old movies and TV shows, and shared many cups of coffee and hot chocolate. Kay writes a story for each new grandchild who comes along and runs it past Karen.

“It’s a privilege to spend time with Kay, I always look forward to our Fridays.” – Karen

We are looking for more volunteers for our Visiting Service and Carer Relief programme, especially in the Motueka area. If you have the time, flexibility, and an interest in volunteering, we’d love to hear from you! Kay (left) and Karen (right) enjoy each other’s company every Friday

For Karen, the friendship feels like family. She is appreciated and warmly welcomed and treated with genuine kindness. She has even been gifted slippers to wear at the house, making her feel truly at home. Karen treasures Kay’s wisdom, life experience, and thoughtful opinions.

Learn more about volunteering

Contact Susan 03 544 7624 ext 3 coordinator@ageconcernnt.org.nz

A Sparkling Afternoon Tea

Our 2025 International Day of Older Persons celebration truly lived up to its theme Bring Your Sparkle! Annesbrook Church was filled with laughter, music, and plenty of sparkle as 100 guests from across the region came together to celebrate. We enjoyed a vibrant performance by Tamu Domoni, that had everyone smiling and singing along and our very own SpinPoi groups entertained us with their spinning and twirling (see photos on page 8). Thanks to the team from Simplicity Funerals for supporting this event.

Get Tech-Ready for 2026

If your phone, tablet or TV has ever left you wondering “why won’t this thing just work?”

You’re not alone. Thankfully, help is close at hand thanks to Dave Noah, our friendly Tech

If your phone, tablet or TV has ever left you wondering “why won’t this thing just work?” You’re not alone. Thankfully, help is close at hand thanks to Dave Noah, our friendly Tech

I get real satisfaction from helping others understand and enjoy technology too.”

TECH ADVICE

Monday afternoons, 1:30pm -3:30pm

62 Oxford St, Richmond

Book a 30-minute session directly via our website ageconcernnt.org.nz/tech-advice

Or contact the team to make a booking 03 544 7624

Or contact the team to make a booking �� 03 544 7624

Since July 2025, Dave has been offering Tech Advice sessions here at Age Concern, helping older adults across Nelson Tasman with everything from password management and setting up phones to connecting hearing aids and staying safe from scammers. Participants say his calm, patient approach makes all the difference. “He never makes you feel silly for asking a question,” said one attendee. “I came in worried I’d be out of my depth, but left feeling confident and proud of what I’d

Tech Advice sessions will resume in late January 2026 and one of Dave’s key topics 3G network shutdown. All the major phone companies will be switching off their old 3G networks, which means some older mobile phones will stop working for calls, texts and mobile internet. If you need help checking, upgrading or setting up a new device, Dave can guide you every step of the way and ensure you stay connected.

Our Tech Advice sessions will resume in late January 2026 and one of Dave’s key topics will be the 3G network shutdown. All the major phone companies will be switching off their old 3G networks, which means some older mobile phones will stop working for calls, texts and mobile internet. If you need help checking, upgrading or setting up a new device, Dave can guide you every step of the way and ensure you stay connected.

Bridge to Better

If you’re heading to our Nelson office at 18 Bridge Street, you’ll notice lots of activity on the road. The eastbound lane is closed to vehicles until mid-Dec while early work for the Bridge to Better project takes place.

From February 2026 the main upgrade begins, and Bridge Street will be closed to vehicles for most of the year. Throughout the upgrade, pedestrian access will remain open and our office will be open as usual. There’s plenty of parking available in Montgomery Square carpark behind our office. From there it's just a short walk via the Phoenix Arcade (enter beside Bin Inn) through to our front door on Bridge Street.

We will be open and here for you throughout 2026! We’re excited to watch the street transforming on our doorstep.

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

TM7 | $6,500

Electric Mobility Plus Tricycle with Canopy

The TM7 is here to protect you from all the elements.

• Take anywhere: walkway, cycle track, shopping mall

• A large battery that lasts all day

• Easy to ride & control (like a bicycle)

• Side curtains available

• Lots of storage space (groceries & belongings)

TS2 | $2,900

Electric Mobility Plus Tricycle

The TS2 is lightweight and great for limited space.

• International travel scooter – battery is removable

• Foldable for limited space (motorhome, car boot)

• Lightweight 16kg frame – easy to lift

• Comfortable hydraulic spring seat

• 20km range - shop all day