Activation’s first GOLD programme for 2014 a success
The Activation team at Upper Hutt City Council launched the first ‘Growing Old and Living Dangerously’ (GOLD) programme
for 2014 last Wednesday at Camp Kaitoke.
Upper Hutt, 27 January 2014 - An excited group of local residents, aged 50+ took part in a morning of archery followed
by an afternoon kayaking on the camp’s lake. “A number of participants hit the bulls-eye in the archery. It was
fantastic to see the improvement over the morning as individuals gained confidence and mastered the bow and arrow,” says
AJ Picard, Activation’s Community Recreation Advisor. The GOLD programme, previously run in 2007, has the aim of
enabling and encouraging local residents over 50 to participate in fun and active social activities that are a little
out of the ordinary.
Another benefit of the programme is the social interaction and the opportunity to meet adventurous like-minded people
within the Upper Hutt community. “None of the group had met before but they really enjoyed each other’s company. There
were lots of laughs and everyone was really encouraging and supportive during the activities” says Mr Picard.
GOLD is a monthly series of events which enables mature residents to partake in activities they have never tried or
perhaps even contemplated before such as rock climbing, ten pin bowling, snorkeling, and circus acts. Each day out
includes two activities, lunch, and transport. The activities are located in Upper Hutt and throughout the Wellington
region.
“The programme is currently planned from January to June, but after receiving such positive feedback from the community
and the first group of participants, we are keen to continue running it on a monthly basis after June,” says Mr Pickard.
“We have had requests to assist residents in ticking things off their bucket lists, things like sky diving, horse
riding, abseiling, kart sport, and windsurfing”.
The next GOLD programme will be held on Wednesday 26 February and includes transport into Wellington to learn the art of
circus performance and a round of mini golf at the famous Carlucci Land, known for its amazing sculptures and art
installations.
Programme booklets (which include registration forms) can be downloaded from the Activation website www.activation.org.nz, picked up from H2O Xtream and the Upper Hutt Central Library, or posted out on request by calling Activation on (04)
527 2857.
About Upper Hutt City Council
Upper Hutt City Council is the steward and custodian of Upper Hutt City, providing governance, infrastructure, and
community services and resources, and promoting opportunity in the city for business, recreation, lifestyle, and
leisure. Upper Hutt City is located 30 km north-east of Wellington City (41°07'34" S, 175°04'06" E) and boasts 70% of
the region’s parks and reserves, along with state-of-the-art entertainment and leisure facilities.
For more information on Upper Hutt City and the City Council, go to www.upperhuttcity.com
ENDS