Registrations are now open for our 2016 conference and you are invited to join us for two inspiring and thought-provoking days incorporating a great mix of break-out sessions, keynote speakers, panels and workshops.

Our conferences are open to everyone working in the sector. They are friendly and collegial events, a place to meet and get to know better others who share your dedication to responding to the issues that face older people and those who work with them.

‘Valuing People, Living Well’.

The conference theme speaks right into the heart of all that motivates us as we work in this area. It captures our aim to be constantly seeking to find better ways to support older people to live well in our communities and to truly value the essential dignity and value of every person.

Registration is open now and costs $550 (plus GST) for the full conference, including all sessions, daytime catering, pre dinner speed meeting and conference dinner, and site meetings. To register see the conference website: Valuing People, Living Well Conference website. We look forward to seeing you there.

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Keynote Speakers

Professor Sir Peter Gluckman, Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor, is one of New Zealand’s most distinguished scientists and researchers. He is a member of the Royal Society of London, a winner of the Rutherford Medal New Zealand’s premiere award for scientific achievement and was named New Zealander of the Year in 2004 and appointed to the Order of New Zealand in 2015.

His extraordinary list of achievements in his expert fields of epigenetics and evolutionary biology have been built on what he describes as curiosity, “the starting point for innovation”. He talks of ‘blue skies’ research that appeared to be of no obvious value yet it has led in time to developing the first effective therapy for brain damage at birth.

In his role as Chief Science Advisor, he sees that science has a central role in our future and can help transform New Zealand socially, environmentally and economically. But scientific change also brings uncertainty and progress can come into conflict with the beliefs and cultures of our society. His role is to promote the public understanding of science, and we look forward to him sharing his thoughts on how science and innovation link to supporting older people to live well.

Lin Hatfield Dodds, the National Director of Uniting Care Australia, is an inspiring and insightful advocate for social justice. She is an expert on social policy and community services and is currently part of the Australian national Aged Care Sector Committee, providing reform advice to the Australian Government.

Lin was named Australian of the Year in 2008 and her background includes working in counselling in government and community settings, including in drug rehabilitation and with young people at risk, as well as extensive experience as a public policy advisor on health and community services within federal and state governments.

Her keynote address “Disruptors, dollars, and dignity: keeping people at the centre of our service systems” will look at some of the central challenges facing social services and older people and how we are can respond.

 

Dr. Judith Davey is Senior Associate of the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies at Victoria University and former Director of the New Zealand Institute for Research on Ageing (NZiRA). She is one of New Zealand’s leading experts on social policy and her personal focus for research is the ageing of the population and its policy implications. She has researched income, transport, care and housing issues for older people, and intergenerational issues.

Her Keynote address “Ageing and Change: Looking to the future in Aotearoa New Zealand” will aim to help us to take a good look over the horizon as our population ages and social dynamics continue to change.

Being now in “the stage of life formerly known as retirement”, Judith is a strong advocate of Positive Ageing:

“What used to be called retirement should be a time of opportunity – to create a portfolio of activities, which may include unpaid and paid work, caring, travel, leisure and hobbies, not forgetting quiet reflection and reminiscence.”

Mark Powell , former CEO of the Warehouse Group, is a prominent business leader who has just taken up a new role as Massey University Business School’s CEO in residence. After 13 years in various roles with The Warehouse Group, including the last 4 years as CEO, he is looking to become a ley liaison person between the academic world and the business community. In addition to his work with the university, he has strong involvement in the faith based NGO sector and is a strong believer in education, with plans to embark on his third master’s degree study programme. He is well-placed to offer insights into leadership and ethics in business.

“Whatever challenge you are facing, there have been countless others who have dealt with that same challenge before. You don’t have to start from scratch – you just need to know where to get the information you need and critically assess how it applies to your own organisation and situation.”

Garry Smith is CEO of the Selwyn Foundation, with more than twenty years’ experience in the health sector. Prior to joining Selwyn in 2012, he was CEO of the country’s largest health board, Auckland District Health Board, for nine years. As well as being a trained accountant, he has experience in management and banking. Garry is passionate about providing ethical and values-based leadership ensuring integrity, warmth and respect for people at all times.

The Selwyn Foundation is a charitable Christian organisation dedicated to serving older people and their families, offering everything from funding of charities and age-related research through to independent living and residential care for the elderly. We look forward to learning more from him about the exciting role that new technology developments are having in community care.

Concurrent Workshop Sessions

The three streams of concurrent workshop sessions over the two days of the conference offer the chance for conference participants to pursue areas of specific interest and learning. The workshops are grouped under three broad categories of strategy and leadership, home and community services and aged residential care.

Conference Social Events

The full conference registration includes Thursday evening’s pre-dinner drinks and speeding meeting with conference sponsors and exhibitors, followed by the conference dinner. We are lining up some good entertainment to compliment some fine food, so be sure to plan in this time and locals can also purchase extra tickets for colleagues and friends.

Conference Venue

The venue is right in the heart of Central Auckland, making it easy to access with public transport, ample parking on site and efficient links to Auckland Airport for those flying in from further afield. The Rendezvous Hotel is an outstanding venue that takes you close to the pulse of Auckland City’s cultural and civic life and a great place to extend your stay to enjoy the sites and events.