Funding boost for Age-friendly project
Ka¯piti Coast District Council is one of eight organisations to receive funding in the latest round of the Age-friendly fund.
The Office for Seniors funds grants of up to $15,000 for projects that promote the inclusion of older people and help cities and communities prepare for their ageing populations.
Council received $15,000 towards employing their Toiora Kauma¯tua — Elder Welbeing Project which seeks to create an Age friendly environment for kauma¯tua focused on addressing the needs of Ma¯ori in the Ka¯piti district.
The project aims to develop aspects of the Ka¯piti Agefriendly plan that meet the needs identified by Ma¯ori kauma¯tua living in the district.
The project brings together providers of senior services to develop culturally appropriate communications and engagement planning targeting kauma¯tua.
Funding will also go towards establishing and trialling a kauma¯tua coordinator role to liaise and work with Ma¯ori kauma¯tua to implement activities and events as part of the district’s Age-friendly plan.
“Becoming an Age-friendly district is important to us, we have been working alongside Ka¯piti Greypower and local kauma¯tua to develop a plan for wellbeing,” council’s connected communities manager Tania Parata said.
“This funding will help us put that plan into action.
“The Toiora Kauma¯tua initiative is action based and is part of our Age-friendly Ka¯piti workstream.
“We will be planning a wellbeing expo and workshops for kauma¯tua on important issues in a way that works for them.”
Office for Seniors director Diane Turner said initiatives like these were even more important in the wake of Covid-19.
“Age-friendly projects like this one will help with the recovery from the pandemic and strengthen community connections for the future.
“With the right planning and support, we can create agefriendly environments where everyone, regardless of age, feels valued, connected and able to actively participate in the community.”
Seven other projects from across the country were also successful in this round of Agefriendly fund grants.