Making Connections 2025

Age Concern Wellington Region helped celebrate Seniors’ Week 2025 by staging their second “Making Connections Day” at the St James Theatre, on 7 October.
This large, well organised event attracted over 200 seniors from around the Wellington region to listen to a range of speakers and investigate the products and services provided by the 25 businesses and organisations servicing the senior demographic.
Age Concern developed the format specifically for Wellington seniors, bringing them together with other seniors and community organisations to enable them to gain information while developing friendships and connections.
Nick Tansley, a well-known presence on New Zealand radio, stage and screen, donated is time acting as MC for the day, and brought a touch of humour and humanity to the proceedings.
He introduced the line-up of speakers with Nicky McDonald, new Director of the Office for Seniors, leading off. She introduced herself, providing her background leading up to the new job, and then outlined her aims and objectives in the new role.
Other speakers were Jodie Williams who advised on the mental health and the ageing process while Bryce Williams (no relation) who specialises in elder law used anecdotes and experience to stress the need for seniors to appoint an Enduring Power of Attorney. Ann Dalziel led the audience through some Steady as You Go exercises to keep them alert after an ample lunch.
The attendees could also visit an array of exhibitors providing products and services for seniors, a health hub, as well as the famous one-on-one digital tech help for
those wanting to learn more about their tech device. And of course, there was the endless tea and coffee served by students from Scots College, plus ample free lunch to be going on with.
Age Concern received lots of wonderful feedback and a useful contribution to their limited funds. Thank you to all those who donated, and to those who made the day such a success.