A bunch of older residents visiting stalls at SWELL expo

Hundreds of people filled the Lincoln Event Centre between 9am and 2pm last Tuesday 16 October for the SWELL Expo.

With a stall around every corner, you could find out information about 70 of our community clubs, organisations and wellbeing providers from across the district.

Three people holding up brochures

This year’s event began with the launch of the Council’s Te Paepae Ageing Well Strategy.

The strategy, designed with feedback from more than 1000 residents over 65 years of age – focusses on creating a a safe, enjoyable place to live.

The strategy fits into the Council’s 50-100 year vision of Waikirikiri Ki Tua Future Selwyn, helping to achieve the goal of making Waikirikiri Selwyn a great place to call home.

It will see the Council partnering with Age Concern, and working with other NGOs and central government to deliver the strategy to support residents over 65, a group that is projected to triple from latest Census figure of 10,131 to council projection of 36,758 by 2053.

This includes running activities and supporting learning, sharing skills and experience opportunities, social connection, Council Executive Director Denise Kidd says.

“Our population of older people is growing fast and we all want to ensure that life is great in Selwyn over 65 years. It needs a whole of community approach, but particularly those agencies that have great professional skills, contacts and resources. It was an exciting day to see so many groups take part in SWELL and to share Te Paepae with them.”

Along with the strategy, the focus for the Expo was to bring more clubs and groups to the event to showcase how they contribute to Selwyn being a fantastic place to age well.

One stall showcased some impressive Meccano models, while another stall shared how to be prepared in an emergency with several of Council’s.

Civil Defence volunteers at the stall answering any questions and signing residents up for Council’s free emergency alerting system Selwyn Gets Ready.

The Council officially launched Te Paepae Aging Well Strategy at the Expo and shared with residents the Council’s vision to make Waikirikiri Selwyn a great place to live through all stages of life.

Woman in high vis smiling at resident

Speaker sessions were well attended, with talks on brain health, mindful ageing, how to recognise scams, and positive ageing.

To get the blood pumping, fun activities such as Zumba and Line Dancing were held in Nicholas Hall.

This event would not have been possible without sponsors Bupa NZ, Ryman Healthcare, Arvida Living Well Communities and Karaka Pines Villages.

If you missed the SWELL Expo, the SWELL activities series is still happening until the end of the month!

If you are an older resident and keen to try something new, check out some of the upcoming activities, including pickleball, self-defence or an e-bike!

Visit selwyn.govt.nz/swell

Last modified: 08 Jan 2025 4:29pm