Posts

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.
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 Auckland…
Dennis, smiling, on a green John Deere 255 ride-on lawnmower in front of a tall hedge

Carol & Elizabeth: Seeing the difference

Waikato
When Dennis began feeling his way from chair to chair, Carol knew something had changed. For Elizabeth, the signs were different — Jim was falling more often and finding it harder to read the morning paper. Two Waikato stories of how cataract surgery brought back the small daily things.
Mauao (Mount Maunganui), Tauranga

Alzheimers Tauranga is becoming Dementia Tauranga

News
Kia ora koutou, From 1 July 2026, Alzheimers Tauranga will become…
Government Gardens in Rotorua — the Tudor-style museum building reflected behind a pond with yellow and orange flowers in the foreground

A Journey from Autumn into Winter

Lakes
Mike reflects on his journey into Alzheimer's, drawing on a young reporter's memories of driving through Waikato fog — and how the Lakes Social Group helps when the mist comes down.

Poppies with Purpose

Hawkes Bay

Good Companions visit Taupō

Hawkes Bay

Hastings Central School students share stories and smiles

Hawkes Bay