More than 100 seniors have been treated to a day designed just for them.
Funded by the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board as part of its Age Friendly Plan, the Seniors Mini Expo brought together a range of services tailored for the senior community.
“It was a valuable opportunity for our seniors to connect with services designed for them. Seeing our seniors having face-to-face conversations with providers offering practical help was priceless,” board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich says.
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu is the only Auckland local board with a dedicated Age Friendly Plan to ensure the senior community is enabled, empowered to thrive, and prosper.
The board wants to ensure seniors, their whānau and caregivers know what age-friendly activities, events and services are available, so they have more opportunities to participate.
The plan contributes to the board outcomes of building well-connected, engaged and active communities; celebrating the area’s unique tangata whenua and Pasifika identities, and helping them to thrive and belong in safe and healthy communities.
“The board discovered there were many services available, usually free or cheap, but people were unaware of them,” Bakulich says.
“We live in a world where there can be either a lack of information or complete overload, so with this expo, the team tried to bridge that gap and deliver in an enjoyable and unique way.”
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu local board chair Tauanu’u Nick Bakulich (on the mic) with board members Papaliitele Lafulafu Peo (L) and Togiatolu Walter Togiamua (R)
The day, filled with the vibrant cultures of the Cook Islands, Samoa, Niue, Tonga, India and New Zealand, was no run-of-the-mill expo, featuring local providers and services including legal advice from South Auckland Community Law, with translators present, and information on the rights, safety and well-being of older adults from Toa Pacific.
Social housing specialists Haumaru were present and provided transport for some of its residents, with Māngere Budgeting Service advice on hand, and mental health, disability, and social services information provided by Vaka Tautua.
Local coffee supplier Samāori provided coffee and koko, while Gias Grab n Go did food demonstrations – with free samples, and participants enjoyed pineapple pies for morning tea, pizza for lunch, and performances and light refreshments.
Food demonstrations from Gias Grab n Go, with free samples provided
The senior community is already anticipating the next event because the expo, originally scheduled to run earlier in the year but delayed by flooding, was so successful.
Snaps from the Seniors Mini Expo
