Media Release
City Vision-Labour Councillors - Auckland City Council
For Immediate Release
Tuesday 4 March 2008

An End To Positive Ageing In Auckland?

Funding for projects to make older people in Auckland feel safer and more valued are set to be axed by the new Citizens and Ratepayers (C&R) Auckland City Council led by Mayor John Banks.

Councillor Cathy Casey, who championed the development of Auckland City Council's Charter for Older People last year, says "I am very disappointed to see that projects aimed specifically at improving the lives of older people in Auckland city are being cancelled as part of Banks' and C&R's cutbacks.

"Only seven months ago, Auckland City Council approved the Positive Ageing in Auckland plan, which aims to increase participation opportunities for older people in our city. The plan was welcomed by many older people, some of whom offered personal feedback. Agencies who work with older people, such as Age Concern and Grey Power, also applauded the Council's plan.

"Older people are now expecting that the council will get on and deliver what we promised."

Councillor Leila Boyle, who represents Auckland City Council on Age Concern's Auckland Council, says planning for a growing and changing population is vital and the work started through the positive ageing plan must continue.

"Auckland city has an ageing population. By 2021 the number of people aged 55 and older will be almost twice the 2001 figure."

"We want to make sure that older people, now and in the future, have the opportunity to take advantage of all the great things life in this city has to offer," Councillor Boyle says.

"Banks and C&R must honour the social contract the last council made with our senior citizens," Councillor Casey concludes.

ENDS

© Scoop Media