Celebrating 50 Years of Age Concern Nelson Tasman

On Thursday 1 October 2026, Age Concern Nelson Tasman will mark its 50th Jubilee with a free community celebration at Founders Heritage Park, coinciding with the International Day of the Older Person.

This special event is an opportunity for people of all ages to come together and celebrate what it means to age well. It is also a chance to recognise the many ways older people contribute to the social, cultural, economic, and volunteer life of our region every day.

Over the past 50 years, Age Concern Nelson Tasman has worked alongside older people, whānau, volunteers, community groups, and partner organisations to support people to remain connected, informed, safe, and actively involved in their communities. Our 50th Jubilee provides an opportunity to reflect on that journey while looking ahead to the future of positive ageing in our community.

Visitors can enjoy a relaxed morning of community connection, live entertainment, guest speakers, and a complimentary catered morning tea. The event will also feature the opening of the 5th Annual Beyond the Face Exhibition, showcasing stories and images that challenge assumptions about ageing and celebrate the diversity, resilience, and experiences of older people in our community.

Families, friends, supporters, and members of the public are warmly invited to attend. Whether you have been involved with Age Concern for many years or are discovering our services for the first time, there will be plenty to enjoy.

Thanks to the support of Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council, several dedicated eBus routes and volunteer Bus Buddies will be available to help make the event accessible for those who may otherwise find it difficult to attend.

The full programme, including entertainment acts, speakers, eBus transport details, and details of the exhibition, will be announced over the coming weeks.

We hope you will join us as we celebrate 50 years of Age Concern Nelson Tasman and the invaluable contribution older people make to our communities every day.

1 October is the International Day for Older Persons.

International Day of Older Persons, observed each year on 1 October, recognises the contribution older people make to our communities and highlights the opportunities and challenges that come with an ageing population.

The day encourages conversations about inclusion, wellbeing, accessibility, and the importance of ensuring older people can continue to participate in community life and make choices about their future. It is also a chance to challenge ageist attitudes and celebrate the experience, knowledge, and perspective that come with age.

For Age Concern Nelson Tasman, it is an opportunity to acknowledge the many ways older people strengthen our region through work, volunteering, caring for whānau, and active involvement in community life. It also reminds us that age-friendly communities benefit everyone by helping people stay connected, informed, and involved throughout their lives.