AGE CONCERN NEW ZEALAND

MEDIA RELEASE 31st July 2003

Only fifteen days left to nominate a Senior Achiever

Time is running out to nominate an older person for the Age Concern Senior Achievers Awards. There's only fifteen days until the closing date on 15th August.

"We've had lots of interest and enthusiasm, but there has been a slow return of forms so far. We need your help to uncover those older people volunteering in communities throughout New Zealand," says Garth Taylor, Age Concern chief executive. "Don't leave it until too late. There's still time to get nominations in and recognise the voluntary work of an older person."

The Senior Achievers Awards are for New Zealand citizens over 60 years of age, who through their voluntary work have enhanced the well-being of people and communities. Mr Taylor says, "It's about valuing and honouring older people's contribution to our country. For example, work in community services that enable people to keep up a good quality of life".

"Volunteers do a wide range of jobs - as coaches and members of sporting organisations, working in the arts, theatre and music. Older people do the administration and serve on boards that keep groups going, are mentors with business, and make the sandwiches! We all are enriched by older people sharing their life experiences, and encouraging younger generations to learn cultural traditions."

Honour the voluntary work of older people - nominate a Senior Achiever now!

Nomination forms are available from:

- MASS Healthcare freephone: 0800 60 80 99

- your local Age Concern Council (see the phone book)

- email: info@seniorachievers.org.nz

- visit the website: www.seniorachievers.org.nz.

ENDS

Age Concern is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation promoting the quality of life of older people, and encouraging healthy, positive ageing for people of all ages, since 1948. For further information, please contact: Garth Taylor, Chief Executive (wk) 04-471 2709 or (mobile) 025 243 6991

About the Age Concern Senior Achievers Awards

www.seniorachievers.org.nz

Regional Awards: The Age Concern Senior Achievers are made up of six regional Awards around the country. In each region, a local judging panel will choose six older people to be honoured. There will be one gold and up to five silver recipients, who will each receive a framed certificate.

Each region is being organised through a lead Age Concern Council, working in co-operation with other organisations throughout the area:

- Northland and North Auckland Age Concern North Shore: ph: 09 489 4975

- West, central and south Auckland Age Concern Auckland: ph: 09 623 0184

- Waikato, Coromandel, Bay of Plenty, King Country Age Concern Hamilton: ph: 07 838 2266

- Taranaki, Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, Wanganui, Manawatu, Kapiti Coast, Wellington

- Age Concern Hastings: ph: 06 870 9060

- Nelson/Marlborough, West Coast, Christchurch, Ashburton, South Canterbury

- Age Concern Canterbury: ph: 03 366 0903

- Waitaki, Otago, Southland Age Concern Southland: ph: 03 218 6351

New Zealand Senior Achiever: The gold recipient from each region will go forward for consideration by a national Awards judging panel. At a ceremony to be held in early November. One gold and five silver trophies will be presented.

History: In 2001, the Senior Achievers Charitable Trust, who had been running the Awards since 1995, gifted the concept to Age Concern New Zealand. The Trust was preparing to cease its operations, but wanted the Awards to continue. Age Concern was chosen for its compatible vision and network of offices and people. Due to this change, the Awards were not held last year.

Sponsor: The main sponsor is MASS Healthcare, who has given its generous support to the Awards. The company is based in Tauranga with offices nationwide and specialises in personal alarm systems. It is through their support that Age Concern has been able to continue with the Awards. See more about MASS Healthcare at: www.mass.co.nz

ENDS

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