Age Friendly Kāpiti
Kia rongo ai ō tātou kaumātua ki te manaakitanga, kia whai pānga, kia whai wāhi hoki rātou ki te tautoko, i ēnei rangi tonu me te anamata.
Our older people feel cared for, connected and able to contribute, now and into the future.
Being an age friendly district is part of a global aspiration led by the World Health Organization. Our Age Friendly Approach is based on the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Framework which seeks to foster healthy and active aging across a range of domains.
Celebrating the International Day of Older Persons
1 October marked the International Day of Older Persons – a special time to recognise the wisdom, value and contributions of our kaumātua and older people in Kāpiti. To celebrate, there are several events and activities happening throughout October that highlight connection, community, and the important role older people play in enriching our lives.
Art Exhibition: What makes you feel connected?
Friday 3 to Thursday 16 October
Roderick and Gillian Deane Art Space at Paraparaumu Library
Explore this special exhibition featuring photos by Justine Hall, Andy Snaps, and others. The display celebrates the many ways older people in Kāpiti connect with their community, share their skills, and take part in activities that make our district a great place to live.
Sit n Be Fit at Coastlands Aquatic Centre
Friday 31 October, 1–1.30pm
Join our gentle, chair-based Sit n Be Fit session for a gold coin donation. Keep active with low-impact movement, then enjoy free access to the spa pool afterwards – no booking required.
Throughout October – Age Concern Kāpiti community events
Age Concern Kapiti has pulled together a great line-up of community events and activities for seniors throughout October. From social catch-ups and hobby groups to workshops and gentle exercise sessions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. See below for more information.
These events are run by local groups and supported through our Age Friendly funding – a celebration of connection, community and lifelong learning in Kāpiti.
Our community partners
Age concern Kāpiti
To provide different ways older people can find out about and participate in community activities.
Age Concern Kāpiti has created a booklet showcasing a wide variety of events and activities for seniors happening across the Kāpiti Coast throughout October.
These events, organised by local groups, clubs and organisations offer wonderful opportunities to connect, discover something new and enjoy all that our community has to offer.
Where to find the booklet:
Copies of the Seniors’ October 2025 booklet are available at local libraries, clubs, Citizen Advice Bureaus, aquatic centres, retirement villages, medical centres, dentists and local businesses.
Telephone: 04 298 8879 or freephone 0800 65 2 105
Facebook: ageconcernkapitinz
Email: [email protected]
Digital Seniors
Weekly social learning spaces in trusted places like libraries and community halls. We’re here for seniors to receive free one-on-one coaching and support using their devices in a positive, fun and social environment.
Paekākāriki Bowling Club
10 Wellington Road, Kāpiti
2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Waikanae Library
9 Mahara Place, Waikanae
Wednesdays 10:30am - 12:30am
Paraparaumu Library
9 Iver Trask Place, Paraparaumu
Thursdays 10:00am - 12:00pm
Volunteer Kāpiti
Older Persons – sharing skills/knowledge, connecting and making a difference in the community through volunteering.
If you are interested in knowing more or being involved, get in touch with Volunteer Kāpiti.
Hora te pai
Toiora Kaumātua: Provide social connection and support for older Māori people, through coordinated regular kaumātua māori meetings. To help address equity issues for kaumatua Māori.
If you would like to know more or find out how you could be involved, please contact Hora te pai.
Telephone 0800 122 505
Our Council
At council we are working to be more age friendly through-out our organisation.
Here a some of the ways we are being age friendly:
Older Persons Advisory Group
The Older Persons Advisory Group (The Older Persons’ Council) was established in 2008 as a voice for older people in our community. This volunteer group meets monthly to provide advice to Council on the needs, thoughts and ideas of people aged 65 and over living on the Kāpiti Coast.
Parks and open spaces
Play spaces
Fully Fenced parks
Exercise equipment
Tracks and Trails
Libraries
We offer mobility aids at the library to assist borrowers and can help them to their cars if needed.
Our collection includes a well-maintained large print section and a talking book section, both equipped with nearby chairs for comfort. We also provide a magnification viewer, magnifying sheets, and glasses for use within the library. Additionally, we offer assistance in selecting books for individuals with visual impairments.
Our library hosts a weekly Digital Seniors Drop-In, supported by daily sessions. E-book readers will soon be available to borrow, helping patrons facing challenges with deteriorating vision.
Our service counters are user-friendly, and we have walking stick holders available at the counter. Furthermore, we offer a telephone reservation service for borrowers who do not have email access.
Council older persons housing
The council provide 118 Older persons housing units. Provision of fit-for-purpose compliant Older Person's housing through the Housing Refurbishment programme.
To date 96 of 118 units have been fully refurbished to a high standard removing baths and shubs to replace with more age-appropriate shower cubicles (or wet showers where possible). The maintenance programme ensures a high standard of amenity with grounds and repairs being maintained by council and approved contractors.
Through our Tenant Liaison contractor, who visits tenants, we have oversight of vulnerable tenant's welfare and wellbeing. This includes referral to support agencies, and medical professionals as needed.
Aquatic centres
Our swimming pools are accessible with ramps, accessible toilets and community notice boards.
AquaFit (Hi & Lo)
We offer two classes in the Main Pool, shallow end, that are suitable for the active older adult. This pool is heated to 28deg.
AquaMove
AquaMove is a our specialist class which is seen as a good starting point for those who are beginning their AquaFit journey or returning to exercise after injury, accident or surgery. This class offers a safe environment in the warm Programmes Pool (heated to 32deg.) to exercise with a focus on technique, posture, and alignment.
AquaEase
AquaEase is designed for adults with mobility issues and joint pain, such as arthritis. Taught in small groups (8 maximum), this class provides more focus on the needs of individuals in a safe environment with gentle movements and stretching exercises in the warmer water of the Programmes Pool (32deg.).
