Over the Fence

Over The Fence campaign looks to create connections and highlight the skills and wisdom of Carterton’s older residents, kuia and kaumātua

Carterton District Council is celebrating our older residents, kuia and kaumātua with our new “Kei te tua te Taiapa/Over the Fence” campaign,  designed to showcase all the diversity of talents our older persons offer.

Council wants to help inspire residents to connect, learn, and collaborate with their older neighbours. To do that, we are starting with four Cartertonians, Frances, Gary, Martin, and Gill, sharing their skills and experiences.

Whether gardening, drawing, building, or telling stories of Te Ao Māori, the initiative encourages residents to reach out to their older neighbours, establishing relationships for mutual enjoyment and support during emergencies.

Reflecting on the importance of community bonds, Lisa Matthews, Wairarapa Regional Positive Ageing Strategy Co-ordinator, said, “When we discuss emergencies, we can describe older people as ‘vulnerable and elderly’ in those conversations.

“However, “Kei te tua te Taiapa/Over the Fence” seeks to change this dialogue by celebrating the strengths of our older neighbours and what we can learn from them, shifting away from the usual messages about older people. Our kuia and kaumātua possess a wealth of history, skills, and experiences that deserve recognition.”

The initiative encourages residents to connect with their older neighbours over a cuppa, promoting the idea that solid relationships fostered today can be vital in times of need.

“You never know when you might need each other,” Lisa said. “Connect with your neighbours today.”

A selection of introductory postcards starring four kuia and kaumātua are part of the campaign. You can use them as an introduction, fill in the details and pop it in your neighbour’s mailbox.

“Kei te tua te Taiapa/Over the Fence” aims to reshape the narrative around older individuals, emphasising the richness they bring to the community.

You can find out more about Over The Fence online or by contacting Lisa at lisa@cdc.govt.nz.

Look out for “Kei te tua te Taiapa/Over the Fence” on the Council’s Facebook and Instagram and feature it on posters around town.

Download and print your own postcard below.

Over The Fence Postcards