General Comments

Age Concern Counties Manukau Inc works for the rights and wellbeing of older people, koroua and kuia in the region of Counties Manukau from as far south as Mercer, across East to Kaiaua and Botany, across west to the Awhitu Penisula and as far north as Mangere. We inform and advocate,and provide services to older people in this community. Age Concern

Counties Manukau Inc is a not-for-profit non-government organisation.

Our vision is:

An inclusive society where older people, koroua and kuia are respected,valued, supported and empowered.

We work to the following principles:

Dignity To respect the dignity and uniqueness of every person as an individual and as a valuable member of society.

Wellbeing To ensure that older people/koroua/kuia are given the opportunity to achieve physical comfort, engage in satisfying activities and personal development and to feel valued and supported.

Equity To ensure that older people/koroua/kuia have an equal opportunity to achieve wellbeing by directing resources to help those disadvantaged or in greatest need.

Cultural Respect To respect the values and social structures of Maori and people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds, demonstrating respect by working together to gain mutual understanding.

Regional planning with localised action must improve local government and their commitment to engage with older people in particular. We need to ensure that Older people are included in the decision making process.

They must have access to strong community boards who know the immediate needs of each community and can work towards meeting these needs through a clear structure that encourages, recognises and supports the contribution of all members of the community.

A truly successful city encourages community participation through activities such as volunteering, health promotion, Abuse and Neglect Prevention, information sharing, advice and support, and recreational and social opportunities for all ages. Health Board predicts that from the years 2006 to 2026 the overall population of the area will have increased by 52% but the number of 65+ will increase by 172%. In other areas the population will also increase at similar rates and the aging population will greatly influence all aspects of the city governance, hence the royal commission must take account of this. The regional structure needs to recognise this by having strong community boards that ensure older people's rights are met by ensuring local areas meet the key issues such as:

* Personal and property safety

* Social, sporting and recreational opportunities

* Easy access to support services

* Easy access to adult education communities

* Public Transport that is accessible and affordable to all

* Inclusion of all community groups, ages, ethnicities in decision making processes.

* Sufficient accommodation to meet the needs of elderly people wanting to live on their own but in a safe and communal environment

* Sufficient accommodation to meet the needs of elderly people needing to go into care facilities that provide appropriate care and opportunities for positive living where residents can live safely with access to appropriate health professionals, social services,

minders/carers.

* Funding opportunities for NGO not-for-profit organisations to allow them to continue to provide services to communities