A significant step forward has been made in making Tāmaki Makaurau a more age-friendly region with the successful completion of the Dementia Friendly Film Pilot Project - a first of its kind initiative in Aotearoa, led by Auckland Council.
The film screenings were thoughtfully adapted to be dementia-friendly. Key measures included keeping the lights dimmed throughout the film, having plenty of volunteers readily available to help or answer any questions, and working with accessible cinemas and theatres. The aim was to provide participants with a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment to enjoy a social outing and connect with the community.
Held from March to May 2025 across three cinemas in Tāmaki Makaurau, the pilot was inspired by similar programmes in Australia and the UK. Facilitated by Auckland Council and the Age Friendly Auckland implementation rōpū – a collaborative group of partners from the ageing sector – the project was supported by grant funding from the Office for Seniors. It forms part of the broader Age Friendly Auckland Action Plan, which aims to improve the wellbeing of older Aucklanders.
“Auckland Council’s commitment to becoming more age-friendly reflects a growing recognition that cities must evolve to meet the needs of an ageing population,” says Louise Mason, General Manager Policy for Auckland Council.
“We passed the Age Friendly Auckland action plan at the end of 2021. This is a multi-stakeholder plan, with many initiatives by the council and our aging sector partners that support older Aucklanders.”
“The Dementia Friendly Film Screening Pilot recognised that as Auckland’s population of people over 65 is growing, so are the number of Aucklanders living with dementia. By creating environments that support people with dementia to stay connected to their community, we’re building a city that works better for everyone, now and into the future,” adds Ms Mason.
“This project is a small but powerful example of how Auckland Council is working with partners to ensure older Aucklanders are supported, valued, and included in the life of the city – and how age-friendly initiatives benefit all Aucklanders”.
The screenings were developed in partnership with Dementia NZ, whose expert advice and volunteer support were instrumental. Volunteers from dementia support groups formed a ‘lived experience’ advisory group, helping shape the screenings to meet the needs of attendees. Additional support came from CNSST (formerly Chinese New Settlers Services Trust), Haumaru Housing, and dedicated Auckland Council Staff.
“This pilot has shown the power of collaboration and care in creating inclusive spaces,” said Dr Trudie Cain, Social and Economic Research and Evaluation team, Auckland Council.
“Through the evaluation, we heard directly from participants and their whānau about how meaningful these screenings were – not just as entertainment, but as moments of connection, belonging and respect.
“Several attendees shared personal stories about the positive impact of the screenings. For example, one person commented on how safe the event felt for her mum, explaining how valuable it was to keep her involved in the community,” adds Dr Cain.
“The pilot is an excellent example of putting policy into practice, and the team look forward to exploring how it can be expanded.”
The full evaluation report – including feedback from participants, volunteers and partners - is available on Knowledge Auckland.
