We work alongside older people, their whānau, and communities to support people to stay connected, make choices that work for them, and age well.
Our Mission Tā Mātou Kawenga
Age Concern promotes wellbeing, rights, respect and dignity for older people. Whakatinana ai a He Manaakitanga Kaumātua Aotearoa i te oranga, i ngā mōtika, i te mana o ngā kaumātua.
A national voice, grounded in local communities
We are a national organisation supported by a network of local Age Concerns across Aotearoa. Each local Age Concern is an independent charity. Formed locally, they understand the needs of their community and provides services, information, and support close to home.
Our role nationally is to support and strengthen this network, provide leadership on key issues, and represent the voices of older people at a national level.
Together, we combine local knowledge with national insight to respond to the changing needs of an ageing population.
Working in partnership
We work closely with communities, organisations, and government to improve outcomes for older people. This includes:
- Sharing knowledge and raising awareness
- Contributing to policy and decision-making
- Advocating for positive change
- Connecting people with the support they need
We believe the best outcomes are achieved by working together.
Focused on what matters
Our work is focused on areas that make a real difference in people’s lives, including:
- Supporting social connection and reducing loneliness
- Promoting health, wellbeing, and independence
- Preventing elder abuse and neglect
- Providing trusted information and advice
- Advocating for the rights of older people
- Addressing ageism and promoting positive ageing
Challenging ageism is an important part of our work. We raise awareness of the value and contribution of older people, and work to ensure they are treated with respect and included in all parts of society.
These priorities reflect what older people tell us matters most.
Guided by our values
How we work is just as important as what we do. Our approach is guided by values of:
Dignity
Mana Kaumātua
We ensure that older people are given the opportunities to achieve physical comfort, engage in satisfying activities and personal development, and feel valued and supported.
Āhei ai ngā kaumātua ki te noho hāneanea, ki ngā mahi ngahau, ki te whanake whaiaro, ā, ka manaakitia, ka matapoporetia.
Wellbeing
Oranga Kaumātua
We ensure that older people are given the opportunities to achieve physical comfort, engage in satisfying activities and personal development, and feel valued and supported.
Āhei ai ngā kaumātua ki te noho hāneanea, ki ngā mahi ngahau, ki te whanake whaiaro, ā, ka manaakitia, ka matapoporetia.
Equity
Mana Taurite
We direct resources to help those disadvantaged or in greatest need so that older people have an equal opportunity to achieve wellbeing.
Tukuna ai ngā rauemi ki te āwhina i te hunga e taumaha ana, e rawakore ana kia pai ai tā te kaumātua ahei ki te whai oranga.
Respect
Whakarangatira
We respect the values and social structures of Māori and people of diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, demonstrating respect by working together to gain mutual understanding.
E kauanuanu ana mātou i ngā tikanga me te hanganga pāpori Māori, me ngā tāngata nō ahurea kē, nō iwi kē, ā, e whakaatu ana i te whakaaro nui mā te mahinga tahitanga e kotahi ai te māramatanga.
We aim to ensure that every older person feels heard, valued, and supported to live well in their community.
Working towards a shared vision
We are working towards a future where older people live valued lives in an inclusive society. He pāpori e whai whakaarohia ana, e whakanuitia ana, e tautokona ana, e whai mana anahoki te hunga kaumātua.
This means creating communities where people feel connected, supported, and able to continue contributing in ways that matter to them – at every stage of later life.