26 June 2015

Positive Ageing group to work with Rotorua council

Rotorua Lakes Council wants to hear from locals aged 50 and over who are keen to be part of a group which will work with the council on issues concerning older residents.

The group is to be called Positive Ageing Rotorua and will provide an independent voice for seniors across the Rotorua district, working with Council on issues that affect older people, contributing towards achieving the district’s shared long-term vision, Rotorua 2030.

Members of the district’s older community were consulted about its role and how it should be established.

The aim is to ensure Rotorua is an age-friendly district.

Expressions of interest are being sought from people keen to be part of the group, which will contribute to the work of Council’s People Portfolio, which is led by Councillor Merepeka Raukawa-Tait with Councillor Mark Gould leading the work with older people.

“The council wants to strengthen participation by seniors in Council decision-making on behalf of the community,” says Cr Raukawa-Tait.

“An ageing population means Council will need support, advice and advocacy by and for the district’s older population.

“As we know, the number of older people is growing so it’s very important to us that they have a voice and are able to have and encourage effective input into decision-making that affects their age-group now and in the future,” Cr Raukawa-Tait says.

“Of course this is not the only way Council will engage with this portion of our population but this is one, proactive way, we can ensure we hear from those aged 50 and over.”

Expressions of interest close at 10am on 10 July 2015. A maximum of 12 people will be selected for the Positive Ageing Rotorua group and shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

For a position description and more details about Positive Ageing Rotorua and the selection process for the group go to rotorualakescouncil.nz – click on ‘Our Council’, then ‘Consultation and Public Notices’ and ‘Positive Ageing’.

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