Long-serving advocate for older people steps down as Chair

After many years of dedicated service championing the interests of older people on the Kāpiti Coast, Kevin Burrows has stepped down as Chair of the district’s Older Persons Advisory Group. Kevin has been a passionate advocate for older residents, helping ensure their voices are heard and their needs considered in decisions that shape our district. 

A long-time member of the former Older Persons Council, and Chair since 2023, Kevin has contributed countless hours working alongside Kāpiti Coast District Council, community organisations and residents to strengthen support for older people across Kāpiti.  

One of his most significant achievements was helping guide the transition from the Older Persons Council to the new Older Persons Advisory Group, creating a more focused and representative body that can provide strategic advice to Council on issues affecting older residents. 

Kevin also played an instrumental role in the Age Friendly Reference Group, which worked with Council and the community to develop and achieve adoption of the Council’s Age Friendly Approach in 2023. The work identified practical ways to make the district more inclusive, connected and supportive for older people and helped secure funding for initiatives such as Age Concern's community-led events programme and Digital Seniors. 

Kāpiti Coast Mayor Janet Holborow says Kevin has given years of dedicated service and leadership supporting older people across Kāpiti.  

“Kevin has been a passionate champion for older people on the Kāpiti Coast for many years. He’s earned the respect of both the community and Council through his dedication and persistence in making sure older residents have a voice. Thanks to his efforts, there is a strong foundation in place for that work to continue.”  

Kāpiti Coast Deputy Mayor Martin Halliday says Kevin epitomises the service which makes Kāpiti what it is. 

“Every day I see people in the community who contribute their time and energy to make Kāpiti such a special place, and Kevin is definitely an outstanding example of that.” 

In true modest fashion Kevin says the achievements of the past few years have never been about one person. “They reflect the dedication, passion, and collective effort of many people, staff, elected members and volunteers working together for the advancement of the community,” he says. 

While this marks the end of Kevin's tenure as Chair, the work of the Older Persons Advisory Group remains as important as ever with Ann Gregory welcomed as the new Chair. 

The Older Persons Advisory Group provides Council with advice on the needs, experiences and aspirations of people aged 65 and over living in Kāpiti. It helps ensure an older person’s perspective is considered across Council policies, projects and initiatives, while advocating for age-friendly approaches that support people to remain active, connected and engaged in their communities.