About Us

Founding team members discussing elderly care approaches

Our Story

NZ Senior Culture was founded in 2012 by Dr. Margaret Wilson and Dr. Hemi Rangihau, two passionate researchers who identified a significant gap in understanding how cultural backgrounds influence approaches to elderly care in New Zealand's increasingly diverse society. What began as a small research project at the University of Auckland quickly evolved into a dedicated organization committed to documenting, preserving, and promoting culturally responsive elderly care practices.

Our journey started with extensive fieldwork across different communities in New Zealand, recording oral histories from elders of Māori, European, Pacific Island, and Asian backgrounds about traditional care practices and attitudes toward aging. These invaluable stories formed the foundation of our approach, highlighting both the unique aspects of each cultural tradition and the universal values of respect and dignity that transcend cultural boundaries.

By 2015, we had expanded our focus from research to education and advocacy, developing training programs for healthcare professionals and community workshops that foster intercultural understanding. Today, NZ Senior Culture operates as a respected hub for cultural knowledge exchange, policy consultation, and community engagement, working closely with government agencies, elder care facilities, and community organizations throughout New Zealand.

Our Mission & Values

Mission

To promote dignity, respect and cultural sensitivity in elderly care by documenting diverse traditions, facilitating cross-cultural understanding, and advocating for policies that honor the unique needs of seniors from all cultural backgrounds in New Zealand.

Respect

We honor the wisdom and contributions of elders across all cultural traditions and advocate for their dignified treatment in all aspects of society.

Cultural Diversity

We celebrate the rich tapestry of cultural approaches to aging and elder care, recognizing that diversity strengthens our collective understanding.

Inclusivity

We ensure that voices from all cultural backgrounds are heard and respected in discussions about elderly care policies and practices.

Knowledge Sharing

We commit to documenting and preserving cultural knowledge about elder care and making it accessible to future generations.

Dialogue

We foster open conversations between generations and across cultural boundaries to enhance mutual understanding and respect.

Advocacy

We champion policies and practices that recognize and accommodate the diverse cultural needs of New Zealand's elderly population.

Our Team

Meet the dedicated professionals behind our mission to promote culturally responsive elder care in New Zealand.

Dr. Margaret Wilson

Co-Founder & Research Director

With a background in cultural anthropology and gerontology, Dr. Wilson has spent over 25 years studying cross-cultural approaches to aging. Her pioneering research on the integration of traditional and modern care practices has informed policy development throughout New Zealand and internationally.

Dr. Hemi Rangihau

Co-Founder & Cultural Advisor

A respected kaumātua (elder) and former professor of Māori Studies, Dr. Rangihau brings invaluable indigenous perspective to our work. His expertise in traditional Māori concepts of elder care and intergenerational relationships forms the foundation of our culturally responsive approach.

Amelia Chen

Community Engagement Manager

Drawing on her experience in community development and her Chinese-New Zealand heritage, Amelia coordinates our outreach programs and multicultural events. She excels at building bridges between different cultural communities and facilitating meaningful dialogue about elder care traditions.

Tavita Solomona

Pacific Community Liaison

With deep connections to Auckland's Pacific Island communities, Tavita ensures that Samoan, Tongan, Cook Islands, and other Pacific perspectives on elder care are authentically represented in our research and programs. His background in social work informs our practical support initiatives.

Our Achievements

Community Impact

Conducted over 150 workshops reaching more than 5,000 caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community members across New Zealand, enhancing cultural competency in elder care.

Knowledge Preservation

Created New Zealand's largest digital archive of cultural elder care practices, with over 300 recorded interviews and demonstrations from elders across 15 different cultural communities.

Recognition

Received the 2020 Cultural Excellence Award from the New Zealand Ministry of Social Development and the 2022 Community Impact Prize from Age Concern New Zealand.

Partnerships

Established collaborations with 45 elder care facilities, 12 universities, and numerous community organizations to implement culturally responsive care models.

Policy Influence

Contributed research and recommendations to 8 national policy frameworks on elderly care, helping shape New Zealand's approach to supporting its aging multicultural population.