Discussions on mapping a way forward for Waipā’s seniors will dominate a forum organised by Cambridge Grey Power and Waipā district councillors.
Roger Gordon at a recent council meeting.
Cr Roger Gordon, said Grey Power and local councillors want to find the best way for seniors to express their views to council.
A senior council established several years ago, with three or four meetings a year held alternately in Cambridge and Te Awamutu, was designed to facilitate communication between seniors and elected council officials, he said.
Cambridge News 31 October 2024
However, feedback from those indicated that some seniors believe their voice has been ignored and that council’s focus is on meeting the needs of younger residents.
Gordon also said it was thought that because of differences between Cambridge and Te Awamutu, any future forum for seniors might be more effective if it is localised to each town.
“There is a real wish for some kind of forum to be re-established,” he said, adding that it could include considerations around the general disability sector.
“The forum will also consider the Waipā District Council’s ‘Age Friendly Policy’ and ‘Age Friendly Implementation Plan’ documents written in 2016. These have informed interaction between council and our seniors.”
It will include presentations from Cambridge Grey Power past president Val Massey and Te Awamutu Grey Power president, Michael Cullen. There will also be a Waipā Age-Friendly Policy open forum and a Q&A session.
- Limited capacity at the venue means seniors wanting to attend should contact him. Email rogergordon2017@gmail.com or txt 027 538 1228.
Senior Citizens forum. Photo: SHVETS pexels.com
