Life in New Zealand with a Stroke

by David G. Ray

The first meeting this month of the Stroke Club which I belong to was a most interesting talk given by two executives from an organisation known as Age Concern. The speakers described the many benefits which they offer including coordinating the work of agencies working for the elderly, providing information of service and assistance available to the elderly, and organising appropriate seminars. Also, initiating and developing appropriate programmes to enhance the lives of elderly people and negotiating and, where necessary, acting as advocate for the elderly with government to ensure their lifelong well-being. Age Concern has produced many pamphlets and booklets setting out details of the services offered such as Positive Health Aging, Elderly Neglect and Abuse Services and where the elderly can obtain Home Handyman Services. It also produces pamphlets on many legal matters such as Powers of Attorney and videos on matters of concern to the elderly. As virtually all of our members are over the age of 60 years, the session was of great interest.

The second meeting of the Stroke Club for April was the showing of a film by our vice-president on a trip he made a few years ago to Little Barrier Island. The Maori name for Little Barrier Island is Hauturu, and it is one of New Zealand's most valuable nature reserves. It lies some 80 km north of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, in the north of the country on the outer edge of the Hauraki Gulf. Its Maori name of Hauturu which means 'resting place of the winds.' This island is one of the last remnants of 'primeval New Zealand' and is the only large forested area left in the country relatively undisturbed by browsing mammals. As such, it is an invaluable refuge for rare and endangered plants, birds and animals whose mainland habitats have been destroyed.

To all you Kiwi's who read this newsletter and now live in other countries, we are having a real "Indian Summer" with fine warm days during autumn. As I type this, the sun is shining brightly and I am dressed with my sleeves rolled up. Wellington harbour is like a glass mirror with no wind, which for those who know our capital city, is quite unusual. It has been this way since Easter except for our ANZAC remembrance services on Sunday 25th April. This day is set aside for honouring those men and women who lost their lives during the many conflicts in which Australia and New Zealand have fought. Attendance at these events has built up over the years with groups of many young people attending. Veterans from the second world war down to a group of young marching girls all took part in our local district parade. My wife and I have attended ANZAC services in Menin and Ypes in Belgium where many Australians and New Zealanders fought and lost their lives in both world wars. Both were very moving services. We will remember them.

The Stroke Network, Inc.

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