About Age Concern South Canterbury
About Us
Age Concern South Canterbury previously known as Timaru Senior Citizens Association is a community-based organisation originally founded in 1955 to promote wellbeing and serve the needs of older people in Timaru.
Today, Age Concern South Canterbury has grown into a substantial independent charitable organisation, valued and respected for its dedication and service to older people. Age Concern South Canterbury is recognised locally as not-for-profit community organisation that celebrates and advances the dignity, respect, and wellbeing of South Canterbury’s older people.
Age Concern South Canterbury is part of a federation of 32 Age Concern councils across New Zealand. Collectively, we promote the rights, wellbeing, and quality of life of older people kaumātua and their whānau by offering services, activities, and resources directly to the South Canterbury community and through collaboration with various other agencies and service providers.
Age Concern South Canterbury is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for older adults in our community. We provide a range of services, support, and advocacy to help seniors stay independent, connected, and informed. From health promotion and social connection programs to elder abuse response and education, we are committed to ensuring that every older person feels valued and respected. Join us in creating a community where aging is celebrated and supported.
Age Concern South Canterbury is a registered Charity CC35518
Brief History of Age Concern South Canterbury from 1955 – 2024
1955 – Then Mayor, Mr White, convened a public meeting of those interested in the care of the aged – Council formed as a result. 31 groups attended this meeting.
Name: Timaru Elderly Citizens Welfare Council.
1956 – Submission made to Timaru City Council seeking approval and permission to build on land adjacent to Centennial Building (East Side). The building to be public amenity and to be the property of the Timaru City Council. This was declined.
1957 – Space in then Gas Offices (Gould’s Building) requested when available, was also declined.
1959- Gould’s Building was granted for use.
1960 – £150 was paid to the Timaru City Council towards alteration costs.
2/10/62 – 24/5/66 – Negotiations were on going to seek rooms free of charge from the Timaru City Council.
1971 – Mayor Durum Dowell advised the Gould’s building was being demolished for us to build premises for our Association. A.D. Hally Trust announced its intention to set aside a yearly sum for 3 years. This formed the start of our building fund. However, following changes to Timaru City Council policies, the Association investigated purchasing an existing building.
1972 – The South Canterbury Returned Services Association (SCRSA) offered to sell us their existing building in Church Street. Fundraising started and on the 11th September 1976, the Timaru Senior Citizens Centre, 22 Church Street was officially opened by Mrs Hervey (Past Mayoress ). The building being called the A.D. Hally Trust Building. The organisation name was changed to “Timaru Elderly Citizens Welfare Council.”
Meals, afternoon teas, showering, cards, housie, drop-in centre, outing, snooker, arts and craft, sewing, millinery, bowls, choir, hairdresser, shop days, a toenail cutting service, plus a lot more. The Timaru Senior Citizens Centre operated 5 days a week.
“Aged Line” phone service was established – volunteers manned the phones. Aged Line was in operation for 13 years. Taking calls for information, hospital appointments, doctor’s visits, and listening to their concerns.
1999 – International Year of the Older Person, filled the Theatre Royal for a concert, with free buses and taxis working together to bring people to the function.
2000 – Helped to regroup S.C. Neighbourhood Support in our area to keep our town safe and a good place to live in. We continue on the Committee of this group.
2004 – 22 Church Street was sold, and we were able to rent it back.
2007 – a rent increase made it too expensive to remain at 22 Church Street. Consequently, the Board of Timaru Elderly Citizens Welfare Council decided to relocate the office and administration to Community House on Strathallan Street, where operations continued five days a week. Meals and activities were then held three days a week at St Mary’s Church Hall.
August 2011 – We moved the meals and activities “The Friday Club” just up the road to the Harlequins Rugby Club rooms in Church Street.
2013 – Established the Aoraki Positive Aged Forum for groups working with the over 65’s to meet, share information and networking together.
April 2014 – Became an Associate Member of Age Concern New Zealand.
2020 – 2023 – during various stages of the global COVID pandemic, we suspended face-to-face activities but maintained contact with everyone by phone, delivered welfare parcels, and helped keep older people in the community safe.
July 2022 – Became a full member of Age Concern New Zealand and changed our trading name to Age Concern South Canterbury.
May 2023 – Moved the Friday Club to our present location at the Wilson St Baptist Church Hall and attendance has now grown over 60 attending each week.
Over the years, we have supported our members through various activities:
We’ve organised annual holidays, traveling across the South Island from Stewart Island to Farewell Spit using boats, trains, and buses, visiting a range of fascinating sights and places.
To raise additional funds for the association, we’ve held fashion parades, “It’s in the Bag” events, shop days, garage sales, the Positive Aging Expo and catered for special occasions.
One of our members swam at Caroline Bay every day, regardless of the weather, before returning to our rooms in a singlet, shorts, and a towel for a cup of tea and a read of the paper, then biking home. This was his routine five days a week.
Another member had a daily bus riding routine that was so precise, you could set your clock by it.
Over the years, we’ve welcomed many colourful characters from all walks of life. Each day, these diverse individuals mixed, sharing stories and forming lasting friendships—some even leading to marriages. Our rooms could tell many a tale!