April Speaker - Diane Turner (8th April)

On Tuesday 8th April we welcomed Diane Turner. Diane is the Director of the Office for Seniors. 'We are all ageing. It matters to all of us that New Zealand is a place where we have the opportunity to age positively and well.' Diane holds a BSC (Waikato) and an MBA (Massey). She spent two years with CERA as Deputy Chief Executive of Recovery Strategy and then three years with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Her address attracted a large audience keen to learn more about the Office and its work. Diane explained her role and that of her 11-member team which is currently working to implement the 'Better Later Life' strategy 2019-2034. The five elements are: Achieving financial security and economic participation, Promoting healthy ageing and improving access to services, Creating diverse housing choices and options, Enhancing opportunities for participation and social connection, Making environments accessible. Diane also talked about the UN designated Decade of Healthy Ageing 2021-2030 and the key components: Combatting ageism, age-friendly environments, integrated care and long-term care. Many of the Office of Seniors' strategies are complementary to the UN's goals.