Sporting Memories Kerikeri members playing walking football on a sports field

Sport, stories and connection: Sporting Memories Kerikeri turns one

New Zealand
A concern about social isolation helped spark what has become a regular gathering for 30 to 40 members in Kerikeri. A year on, Sporting Memories Kerikeri is a place where people turn up, join in at their own pace and enjoy being part of a local community.
The opening ceremony of the International Dementia Conference 2026 in Sydney

Learning from the world, for Aotearoa

Canterbury
Leaders from Dementia Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington joined more than 1,000 delegates at the International Dementia Conference in Sydney – and brought home a shared message about person-directed support and brain health.
Frances Blyth with the Dementia New Zealand board

The choices we make

New Zealand
Frances Blyth, Chair of Dementia New Zealand, has spent a lifetime volunteering – from ushering at a Dunedin theatre to international human-rights work. She’s never seen it as something for a CV.
The Stone Soup community ice cream van in Rotorua Government Gardens

Stone Soup

Lakes
Carol Fisher has spent more than 30 years volunteering in dementia support. These days, she starts conversations from an ice cream van in Rotorua.
AI generated image of people doing a jigsaw puzzle together at a Dementia North community table

You’re never too young to help

Waikato
When people think about volunteers, they often picture someone who is retired or has years of life experience behind them. Sixteen-year-old Jason breaks that stereotype.
Mike Stevens smiling, a Dementia North Ōrewa Walking Group volunteer

“People are people”

Auckland
National Volunteer Week  ·  Auckland story Every Tuesday…
Carolyn McCutcheon smiling in a garden in front of a flowering camellia tree

“It really lights me up”

Auckland
National Volunteer Week  ·  Auckland story When…

Danielle Falconer – after the swim

New Zealand

Support where you are

New Zealand