Displaying 1 - 24 of 29 results.

Seniors Minister Maggie Barry has welcomed the United Nation’s International Day of Older Persons being marked around the world today.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

Minister for Seniors Maggie Barry has welcomed the commitment to protecting older people shown at the first Elder Abuse Response Service provider’s forum.

“Over 2000 cases of elder abuse are reported each year but the majority goes unreported.  It’s believed up to 10 per cent of seniors experience some form of abuse and three quarters is carried out by family members,” Ms Barry says.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

The Minister for Seniors, Maggie Barry, says a new elder abuse intervention service which starts tomorrow will help keep older New Zealanders safe.

“Elder abuse is a scourge on our society and it’s time for all of us to make it clear, it’s not OK. All seniors deserve to be treated with respect, with dignity and with care, whatever their cultural background or circumstances,” Ms Barry says.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

Sporting legend, academic and life coach Sir Peter Snell is to become patron of New Zealand’s SuperSeniors Champions programme and help raise awareness of senior’s issues such as elder abuse and neglect.

The Minister for Seniors, Maggie Barry, has enlisted Sir Peter’s support to spread the word to as many people as possible that elder abuse is not OK.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

Minister for Seniors Maggie Barry is calling for everyone to bring the issue of elder abuse and neglect out in to the open and speak out about it whenever possible.

“Elder abuse is not ok and must never be tolerated.  We need to show our respect for seniors and today, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, is an ideal opportunity to start the conversation,” Ms Barry says.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

A woman who has given more than 45 years’ service to older New Zealanders has been made a Dame in the Queen’s Birthday Honours released today.

The Minister for Seniors, Maggie Barry, has congratulated Dame Peggy Koopman-Boyden on being made a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

The Minister for Seniors Maggie Barry says changes to Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA) forms will make them easier to understand and use.

“Knowing you can chose people you trust and who understand what you want, who will make important personal and financial decisions for you if you can’t, gives you peace of mind,” Ms Barry says.

“It should be set up when you are fit and healthy – mentally and physically.”

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

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.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

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.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

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.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Nicky Wagner
  • Arts, Culture and Heritage
  • Seniors

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.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Nikki Kaye
  • Seniors
  • ACC

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.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

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.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

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.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

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.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

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.”

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

The 25th International Day of Older Persons on October 1st is an opportunity to celebrate the significant contribution seniors make to New Zealand society, Senior Citizens Minister Maggie Barry says.

“Seniors play a pivotal role and are a very positive influence on our economy, workplaces and communities, which is only going to grow as our population ages,” Ms Barry says.

“As volunteers, seniors are crucial to many of the support groups, clubs and societies which enrich our towns and cities.”

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

Associate Health Minister Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga says he is pleased by a new report which shows most elderly people enjoy good relationships with friends and family and have someone to give them emotional support.

The report, by the University of Auckland, is one in a series commissioned by the Ministry of Health on the health and wellbeing of older people.

“It is important that people at this stage of their lives have a strong support network around them and maintain their relationships with friends and family,” Mr Lotu-Iiga says.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
  • Seniors
  • Health

A new website for New Zealand’s SuperSeniors has been launched today by Senior Citizens Minister Maggie Barry.

SuperSeniors will pull together in one place the wealth of information available for older New Zealanders online, including superannuation entitlements, finances, health and SuperGold discounts.

Ms Barry unveiled the website at a seniors event in Milford in Auckland’s North Shore, together with Prime Minister John Key.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

Minister for Senior Citizens Maggie Barry and Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Paul Goldsmith today welcomed a survey highlighting the importance of all New Zealanders planning for their retirement.

The joint survey by the Commission for Financial Capability (CFFC) and the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) shows many older New Zealanders don’t yet know how they will reach their retirement goals.

“Planning for a secure financial future is important for all New Zealanders, not only those heading towards retirement,” Mr Goldsmith says.

  • Paul Goldsmith
  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors
  • Commerce and Consumer Affairs

ACC Minister Nikki Kaye and Senior Citizens Minister Maggie Barry have welcomed new ACC initiatives aimed at reducing falls amongst older people.

“ACC will roll out a series of initiatives aimed at preventing falls and improving services for older people over the next 12 months,” says Ms Kaye.

“Today I’m pleased to confirm the first of these initiatives, which include:

  • Maggie Barry
  • Nikki Kaye
  • Seniors
  • ACC

A new report has highlighted the economic influence of older people in New Zealand, Senior Citizens Minister Maggie Barry says.

The 2015 Business of Ageing report update has projected older New Zealanders will make an even bigger contribution to the economy than previously thought.

“Seniors put billions of dollars into our economy each year, and their importance will only grow as our population ages,” Ms Barry says.

“By 2035, there will be 1.2 million people aged over 65 – almost double the current figure of 650,000.”

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

A new set of online resources will help carers look after their own needs, make time for themselves and stay connected, Senior Citizens Minister Maggie Barry says.

Around one in ten New Zealanders helps a family member or friend with everyday life, and many find it hard to balance that important role with work or their other commitments.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors

New Zealanders need to confront the reality of elder abuse to prevent the exploitation and mistreatment of older people, Senior Citizens Minister Maggie Barry says.

New research released on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day shows around one in 10 older New Zealanders have suffered some form of abuse or neglect.

With our ageing population, this research, the first specifically focused on New Zealand, suggests the rate of elder abuse could increase significantly.

  • Maggie Barry
  • Seniors