The Older Persons’ Advisory Group
The Older Persons Advisory Group (The Older Persons’ Council) was established in 2008 as a voice for older people in our community. This volunteer group meets monthly to provide advice to Council on the needs, thoughts and ideas of people aged 65 and over living on the Kāpiti Coast.
The objectives of the Older Persons Advisory Group are to:
- provide advice, input and feedback on Council policies, initiatives and projects
- identify emerging trends, opportunities and challenges for older people in our community
- progress actions in partnership with Council which support the needs of their communities
- advocate for activities which are age friendly and work with Council to strive for an Age Friendly Kāpiti
- provide an inclusive and diverse representation of our older community.
Applications are open from 1–27 April – See process and timeline below.
Apply now by completing this form or pick up a paper copy from our service centres.
Applications open for new members
We’re looking for new members to join the group in 2025. If you're 65+, live in Kāpiti, and want to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you. As a member, you’ll share your experience, connect with your community, and help shape decisions that impact older people across the Coast.
Who can apply?
We're looking for a diverse range of people living throughout the district, with a range of life experience, knowledge and interests.
The group includes 12–14 members, an Elected Member, and a Council Advisor.
If you have a support person, they’re welcome to attend meetings with you — although they won’t participate in the discussion.
What's involved?
The group meets once a month. Members are expected to prepare for meetings in advance and bring the voices of their community to the table.
Terms are for two years, with the option to reapply. You can resign at any time by letting the Chair or Council Advisor know in writing.
We'll support you to participate
Council is here to help you participate in a way that works for you. Whether you need support with transport, documents in a certain format, or something else – just let us know.
Join us at one of our drop-in sessions
Come along to one of our drop-in sessions to chat about the group, ask questions, or get help with your application:
- 10am–2pm, Wednesday 9 April, Ōtaki Library
- 10am–2pm, Thursday 10 April, Paraparaumu Library
- 10am–2pm, Wednesday 16 April, Waikanae Library
- 10am–12pm, Thursday 17 April, Beach Road Deli, Paekākāriki
How to apply
If you're interested, please apply now by completing this form. You can also pick up paper copies at our service centres. Please contact our Connected Communities team if you need to apply in a different way.
Please note that shortlisted nominees will be required to attend an interview before the final selection is made by Council.
We will be in contact once applications close on 27 April 2025 to let you know of interview times.
Timeline:
1 – 27 April: Applications open
2–6 May: Interviews
26–31 May: Induction
The Older Persons’ Council put together an exhibition – My Mother's apron, Stories from the kitchen table – to acknowledge Mother’s Day, a follow on from our exhibition honouring and celebrating older people on the Kāpiti Coast.
We asked the people of Kāpiti to write a short story, poem, or letter to Mums, or share a memory of her signature dish, recipe, or family mealtime experience, and to send us with a picture. All entries were displayed in Paraparaumu Library and Coastlands for the community to enjoy.
You can watch the heartwarming stories and recipe videos and read the touching submissions below:
My Mother's Apron exhibition booklet [PDF 4.42 MB].
- Age Friendly Approach [PDF 18.76 MB]
- Age Friendly Kāpiti