Dame Malvina Major has joined a group of high-profile New Zealanders making sure senior’s voices are heard in our communities and challenging assumptions and attitudes about older people’s contribution to society.
Seniors Minister Maggie Barry has announced three high-profile New Zealanders as SuperSeniors Champions, a programme launched earlier this year. Alongside Dame Malvina Major, former MP and Minister Margaret Austin and the actor, filmmaker and naturalist Peter Hayden were announced at a function in Parliament to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
“Dame Malvina, Ms Austin and Mr Hayden are three inspirational voices for older New Zealanders across the arts and active community involvement,” Ms Barry says.
“Their advocacy, insight and enthusiasm will be vital to making sure senior’s voices are heard in our communities and they will challenge assumptions and attitudes about older people’s contribution to society.”
SuperSeniors Champions are voluntary, non-political positions to advocate for older people, positive ageing and an age-friendly New Zealand.
The three new Champions join actor Dame Kate Harcourt, weightlifting champion Precious McKenzie and former Taranaki newspaper editor Lance Girling-Butcher, the first to be announced.