Community

What is New Zealand Sign Language? New Zealand Sign Language is the natural language of Deaf New Zealanders and is used daily by more than 20,000 Kiwis.  It became an official language in April 2006, with the passing of the New Zealand Sign Language Act 2006. NZSL is a combination …

It is widely acknowledged that moving house is among the most stressful experiences in life. When we are older, this already daunting life event can simply become too much to contemplate and it becomes overwhelming to the point this becomes a reason to delay or defer a move. Moving home …

A person’s daily possessions form a kind of exoskeleton, and the act of disposing of them is another stage of mourning and letting go. Never does this become more apparent than when dealing with the lifetime of possessions accrued by a loved one, which their nearest and dearest must somehow …

Do your children, grandchildren and friends know the defining moments of your life? Do they know the day you laughed so hard you cried? Do they know your proudest achievement or your favourite teacher? Do they know who taught you to ride a bike, swim or drive a car? The …

With the World Masters Games being held in Auckland from the 21st to the 30th of April, I thought it would be a good chance to focus on health related topics on the gazette this month. For those who do not know the World Masters Games is the world’s largest …

Recently, the world fell in love with a story involving Norma, an 89 year old woman who had been battling cancer for the past 10 years and her neighbour Chris, a 31 year old budding actor. Chris moved into an apartment across the hall from Norma four years ago. Chris …

Neighbours Day Aotearoa wants to help you turn your street into a neighbourhood. This weekend join in New Zealand’s biggest celebration of neighbourliness on 25-26 March 2017. What a great way to feel more connected, safe and make new friends. Everyone should get involved! Head to neighboursday.org.nz to get some …

I want to talk about one of the transitions that many of us will be involved in sooner or later, and that is helping our aged parents to make the huge leap in moving out of their home and into a smaller home, retirement village or residential care. It’s probably …

Prime Minister Bill English has made the announcement – the retirement age is raising from 65 to 67. There had been rumblings about it ever since John “I will quit as prime minister before raising the retirement age” Key stepped down at the end of last year. It came as no …

Supporting an elderly person to make a move means much more than simply packing up boxes and calling in a moving company. It is important to recognise and understand the physical, emotional and cognitive changes faced by an older adult and the impact this will have on their ability to …