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Seniors Minister Maggie Barry has marked the UN’s International Day of Older Persons with the release of a newly updated Guide for Carers – He Aratohu mä ngä Kaitiaki.

“The theme of this year’s International Day is taking a stand against ageism, something all New Zealanders can do by recognising the important role seniors have in our society and treating them with the respect and dignity they deserve,” Ms Barry says.

Three well-known older New Zealanders are the latest to join the SuperSeniors Champions as advocates and role models, Seniors Minister Maggie Barry says.

Renowned ballet dancer Sir Jon Trimmer, former Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin and Senior New Zealander of the Year 2015 Donald Sew Hoy have all accepted the invitation to become Champions as part of the programme launched earlier this year.

Tonight’s Arts Access Awards are a celebration of the power of art to change lives and bring joy and fulfilment to all New Zealanders, Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Maggie Barry and Disability Issues Minister Nicky Wagner say.

“These awards are all about recognising the many different people who work tirelessly to open up the experience of creativity to New Zealanders with disabilities, and are a true celebration of the transformative power of the arts,” Ms Barry says.

An investment of $30.5 million over four years by ACC, to support new and existing initiatives aimed at preventing falls and resulting injuries, has been welcomed by ACC Minister Nikki Kaye and Minister for Seniors Maggie Barry.

Both Ministers visited Auckland Hospital this morning to celebrate the investment and visit an older persons’ health ward.

Three more high-profile New Zealanders have become SuperSeniors Champions, Seniors Minister Maggie Barry has announced.

Legendary opera singer Dame Malvina Major, former MP and Minister Margaret Austin and the actor, filmmaker and naturalist Peter Hayden are the latest to join the Champions programme, launched earlier this year.

Ms Barry made the announcement at a function in Parliament this evening to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Seniors Minister Maggie Barry says tomorrow’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity for New Zealanders to show all older people need to be respected and valued.

Ms Barry will host an event at Parliament tomorrow to mark the day alongside SuperSeniors Champions, who are articulate advocates for older people, strong voices against abuse and role models for positive ageing.

Seniors Minister Maggie Barry says she is concerned older people in Auckland are worried and confused about the forthcoming changes to how the SuperGold Card travel concession works in the city.

Following an Auckland Transport decision to integrate the SuperGold Card with its HOP smartcard system from July 1, cardholders must have a HOP to continue to use their free travel concession.

Two inspirational older New Zealanders are the latest to join the SuperSeniors Champions programme, Seniors Minister Maggie Barry says.

Commonwealth Games weightlifting gold medallist Precious McKenzie and renowned actress Dame Kate Harcourt have accepted the role to promote positive ageing and raise awareness of senior’s issues.

Ms Barry announced the new Champions at the Grey Power Federation AGM in Christchurch this morning.

Outstanding advocates for an age-friendly society will become SuperSeniors Champions under a new programme launched today by Seniors Minister Maggie Barry.

“This is about seniors talking about issues that matter to seniors,” Ms Barry says. “Our Champions will be inspirational role models who embody the idea of positive ageing.

“They will raise awareness of our ageing population, how we can make our towns and cities better places to be old, and advocate for the voices of seniors to be heard in their communities.”