Who We Are
This resource was developed in partnership by The Centre for Co-Created Ageing Research (CCREATE-AGE) at Waipapa Taumata Rau | University of Auckland, AK Thomson Ltd and the Pasifika Digital Knowledge Bank.
Members of the working group included Dr Joanna Hikaka, Akerei Maresala-Thomson, Robert Hita, Robert Clark, Julie Caldwell, Stevie Cormack, Elia Chan, Robert Perelini, Takeisi Taumalea, and Safdar Ali.
How was this resource developed?
We wanted to understand how we could get support and services to older people/pakeke with care needs and to their whānau and families in South Auckland. We reviewed resources that were currently available and talked to community members in South Auckland.
- People shared their visions for successful aged care:
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Culturally inclusive and informed: Services that respect and reflect the diverse cultural practices and values of the community. - Accessible: Systems that enable older people to live independently while staying connected to their families and communities. Supports available at the time they are needed, without delays.
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Intergenerational: Initiatives that bring together youth and older people to preserve traditions and strengthen community bonds.
- People also told us about services that they felt were essential to living well:
- Healthcare: Improving access to health care was particularly important for remote communities and this healthcare needed to be affordable.
- Social Connection: Community programmes at marae, churches, and community centres help to reduce isolation and foster relationships.
- Transport: Affordable and reliable transport options are needed for attending events, medical appointments, and social gatherings.
- Advocacy and Information: Simplified pathways are needed to help individuals and whānau access caregiving services and entitlements.
Resources & Community Needs
People shared that, although there were many services available, they may not be well known within wider communities and it was often difficult to know who was eligible, who services were for, whether services were right for them, and how to access these services. Some people also said that some resources that exist still may not appeal to the Pukekohe community who may not see themselves reflected in the content or imagery used.
It was thought that a culturally relevant, practical, and accessible toolkit to empower older people and their whānau would help with this. A toolkit (kete) would simplify access to services, clarify entitlements, and provide clear pathways for navigating caregiving support systems.
You can read more about this project in the project summary.