Cooking isn’t just about food—it’s about connection, creativity, and confidence.

Age Concern Nelson Tasman’s Cooking Classes run throughout the year, in 6-week blocks. These classes are a great way to build or rebuild confidence in the kitchen. As we age, our routines, energy levels, or even physical abilities can change, which may lead to a loss of confidence in preparing meals.

Today marked the start of the next 6-week block of Age Concern Nelson Tasman’s Cooking Classes taking place Tuesday mornings at the Food Factory. Our wonderful instructor, professional chef Aimee Birmingham, warmly welcomed our new joiners along with several returning participants.

In March 2025, one of our local volunteers, Liz McBride, was presented with a Dignity Champion Award from the national team at Age Concern New Zealand. Liz has earned this special recognition thanks to her dedication and commitment as a Carer Relief volunteer, supporting older people in the Nelson-Tasman region.

We have once again delved deep to uncover some of these stories for our Beyond the Face Exhibition. This year we are showcasing portraits and life stories of 12 older adults living in Nelson, aiming to challenge society’s perceptions of ageing. Each portrait is accompanied by highlights, achievements and insights, encouraging viewers to look past physical appearances of ageing to see the rich experiences and knowledge each person holds.