The 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.

The objectives of the Older Persons Advisory Group are to:

  • provide advice, input and feedback on Council policies, initiatives and projects
  • identify emerging trends, opportunities and challenges for older people in our community
  • progress actions in partnership with Council which support the needs of their communities
  • advocate for activities which are age friendly and work with Council to strive for an Age Friendly Kāpiti
  • provide an inclusive and diverse representation of our older community.

Our work programme

This work programme outlines the key priorities for the Older Persons Advisory Group (OPAG) over the next two years. It reflects OPAG’s commitment to supporting older people to feel connected, valued, and able to participate fully in life on the Kāpiti Coast.

Anchored in the Age Friendly Approach, the programme guides how OPAG will work with Council and community partners to improve outcomes for older people across the district. OPAG will provide at least one verbal update to Council each year on their focus and progress.

Contact the Older Persons Advisory Group

What are work programme priorities?

Work programme priorities are the key areas where OPAG will direct its attention, expertise, and influence over the next two years. Each priority addresses an issue that significantly affects the wellbeing and participation of older people and shows where OPAG can make a meaningful contribution.

Priorities guide how OPAG works with Council and community partners, where it focuses its advice and advocacy, and where it monitors progress or identifies opportunities for improvement. They also help shape OPAG’s agenda by signalling the topics the group will revisit, seek updates on, and support through recommendations.

These priorities also provide clarity for the wider community by showing where collective effort supports Age Friendly outcomes. The Age Friendly Approach aims to ensure that:

  • older people feel connected and valued in our district
  • older people can get around and access what they need
  • older people participate in their communities in ways that work for them.

Work programme priorities for 2026 – 2027

Over the next two years, the Older Persons Advisory Group has four priorities:

  • priority one: progressing the Age Friendly Approach
  • priority two: growing digital inclusion and accessible information
  • priority three: addressing social isolation
  • priority four: older persons housing.

Why this is a priority for the Older Persons Advisory Group

Council’s Age Friendly Approach is the foundation that supports all other identified priorities.

Outcome we are seeking

Older people and stakeholders understand the Age Friendly Approach, can see progress, and experience improved Age Friendly practices across Council’s work.

Actions we will take

  • we will use practical tools to understand how we are doing as an Age Friendly District
  • we will build relationships with key groups contributing to an Age Friendly Kāpiti
  • we will advocate to Council for appropriate resourcing to meet the Age Friendly Approach
  • we will help educate the community on what Age Friendly is.

Why this is a priority for the Older Persons Advisory Group

Digital exclusion has detrimental impacts on older people’s wellbeing, safety, and access to information. Improved accessible information that meets older people’s communication needs is essential for participation and connection in our community.

Outcomes we are seeking

Older people can access information easily and participate fully because digital and communication barriers are reduced.

Actions we will take

  • we will understand and advocate for community activities that strengthen digital inclusion across Kāpiti
  • we will understand and advocate for improved options to access information, including locations where information is available
  • we will provide advice to Council projects and engagement to highlight opportunities for informational inclusion and digital support.

Why this is a priority for the Older Persons Advisory Group

Living in a friendly, secure neighbourhood reduces the risk of social isolation in older age. A range of Council actions can help older people feel connected with others in their immediate neighbourhoods, improve emotional wellbeing, and maintain community connection.

Outcome we are seeking

Older people experience more opportunities for connection, reduced isolation, and improved access to local places, activities, and support.

Actions we will take

  • we will work with our communities to understand what is needed and provide advice to Council to highlight and enhance services, spaces, and activities that support social connection
  • we will build relationships with organisations that understand social isolation in Kāpiti
  • we will prioritise advice to Council projects that support social connection and remove transport barriers
  • we will support and participate in International Day of Older Persons activities.

Why this is a priority for the Older Persons Advisory Group

There is increasing pressure on affordable and appropriate housing for older people living in the Kāpiti Coast District. OPAG acknowledges the lack of suitable options.

Outcome we are seeking

Older people can age in place safely and affordably, with access to housing that meets their needs.

Actions we will take

  • understand what Council is doing around housing options for older people and advocate where needed
  • develop relationships with groups who work in the older persons housing space.

My mother's apron - one of our older persons initiatives

The Older Persons’ Council put together an exhibition – My Mother's apron, Stories from the kitchen table – to acknowledge Mother’s Day, a follow on from our exhibition honouring and celebrating older people on the Kāpiti Coast.

We asked the people of Kāpiti to write a short story, poem, or letter to Mums, or share a memory of her signature dish, recipe, or family mealtime experience, and to send us with a picture. All entries were displayed in Paraparaumu Library and Coastlands for the community to enjoy.

You can watch the heartwarming stories and recipe videos and read the touching submissions below:

My Mother's Apron exhibition booklet [PDF 4.42 MB].

Related links