Age Concern New Zealand wishes everyone a safe and fun filled Halloween.
We wish everyone a safe Halloween but we need to remember that not everyone wants to be part of Halloween celebrations.
For some older people Halloween can be a frightening and scary time so here are some helpful tips so everyone can enjoy themselves and come away with fond memories:
- Make it a family affair and go trick or treating with your kids or a group from your neighbourhood.
- Call your neighbours in advance to make sure it’s okay to call in to trick-or-treat
- If you don’t want trick-or-treaters calling print or make a sign for your letterbox or window saying no thanks. (New Zealand Police have had downloadable signs)
- If you are a trick-or-treater, respect the people who have a sign asking for you to stay away
- Keep your lights on and guests outside
- Keep your eye out for your older family members, friends and neighbours this Halloween and make sure we all get to enjoy the celebration.
Remember you can help make this a great celebration for your family and community and a great opportunity to connect with your older neighbours.
If you want to go one step further Age Concern New Zealand would like to encourage all Kiwis to sign up to their Dignity Champion Campaign to show a commitment to breaking down ageism and stereotypes and encouraging dignity and respect for older people.
Become an Age Concern Dignity Champion www.ageconcern.org.nz... this Halloween and involve and celebrate the older people in your lives.
Poll: Should we ditch daylight saving? 🕰️
First introduced in New Zealand in 1927 with the passing of the Summer Time Act, it's what we know as 'Daylight Saving' and this year it ends on the first Sunday in April.
While we do get to sleep in this time around, some people would like to scrap the clock tinkering for good.
And why? Some evidence suggests the time changes are bad for our health as they mess with sleep patterns leading to short-term fatigue and affecting mood. Meanwhile the hour change is frustrating for farmers and a nightmare for getting the littlies to sleep. But what's your take?
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40.7% Yes - get rid of the clock changes
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57.5% No, I enjoy it
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1.7% Other - I'll share below
Alan and Hazel Kerr share Senior New Zealander of the Year Award 2026
Dr Alan and Hazel Kerr describe themselves as ‘just ordinary old Kiwis’, despite being named as the 2026 Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealanders of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
The amazing couple prompted a standing ovation at a star-studded Auckland event which recognised their tireless efforts, with Alan travelling to and from Gaza and the West Bank 40 times to help children over 20 years, and Hazel travelling 20 times.
Click read more to find out more.
Poll: How important is the ability to book a doctor’s appointment online?
Hi Neighbours
Here at The Doctors we would love to hear how you prefer to book your doctor’s appointments. With busy schedules, different people find different methods easier.
For some, online booking is very convenient, you can make an appointment anytime without needing to wait on the phone. Others still prefer calling the clinic and speaking to a real person, especially if they have specific questions about their visit.
Your feedback helps us understand what works best for our patients and how we can improve access to care.
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39.8% I prefer booking online whenever possible
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23.7% Online booking is helpful but not essential
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33.3% I prefer calling the clinic
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3.2% I didn’t know online booking was available
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