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Stay up to date with the latest news affecting older people in Auckland and across Aotearoa.

At Age Concern Auckland, we curate relevant articles, updates, and stories on topics like elder wellbeing, healthcare, housing, community services, and policy changes. Check back regularly for fresh content that matters to seniors, their whānau, and caregivers.

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23 Apr

King Charles honours the late Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday

On April 21, 2026, King Charles III recorded an address from the Library of Balmoral Castle to mark what would have been Queen Elizabeth II's 100th birthday, commemorating the Queen’s life, legacy and record 70-year reign, which ended when she died on September 8, 2022, aged 96, from “old age”.

His Majesty also used the message to “renew his vow of service”, following a challenging start to his reign, including a cancer battle, estrangement from his 41-year-old son, Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, and dealing with his 66-year-old disgraced brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as more details emerge about his relationship with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein – of which Mountbatten-Windsor has always denied any wrongdoing.

A royal insider told the Mirror: “The start to the King’s reign has not been without its obvious troubles, but there has been much to celebrate as well.

“He has been immensely positive in the face of adversity, continuing his cancer treatment while maintaining an incredible work rate.

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23 Apr

Cost-of-living squeeze hits pensioners, with some using foodbanks to survive

Pensioners are turning to foodbanks to get by, as a new report says the pressure is growing on those relying on NZ Super alone.

Good Shepherd has released the report, which focused on the housing experiences of women over 65.

It follows concerns being raised that the recent adjustment to NZ Super is not enough to keep up with growing pressure, particularly in fuel prices.

NZ Super lifted 3.1 percent this year, in line with last year's rate of inflation. But the cost of essentials has risen by more than that overall figure, and rates and fuel are expected to continue at a faster pace this year.

Good Shepherd said many women were facing significant challenges because of having more limited income as well as the lifetime effect of low pay, having taken time out of the workforce to look after children and other factors.

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21 Apr

Stewart Island trust raising money to build suitable homes for elderly residents

Stewart Island resident Bruce Ford reckons there's a problem with getting old on Rakiura - there's nowhere suitable to do it.

The local of 60 years is the head of the Stewart Island Seniors Cottage Trust.

The trust is trying to raise an additional $1 million to build small, warm, accessible homes for elderly residents at a site in Oban.

It has already raised $750,000, purchased a section and drawn up plans for between six and eight one-bedroom duplex units.Stewart Island locals fight for elders Checkpoint16 April 2026Queue

Ford said seniors were stuck in ageing, draughty homes or paying housing costs beyond their means in a bid to stay put on the island.

"If there's only one person in the house on a pension, you're on about $28,000. By the time you take off $8000 of rates and insurance and perhaps another $4000 for electricity, you've still got to get some food and you've still got to do some maintenance on the property and it just doesn't fit very well," he said.

"We've got one chap here that lives on a boat because he doesn't want to pay the insurance and the rates. And every day you've got to get in your dinghy and paddle ashore. If you're in your 70s that's a bit of a handful."

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