Latest news with #SelwynFoundation
Scoop
21 hours ago
- Health
- Scoop
It's Time To Put Wāhine First: Women's Health Week Launches 11 August
At 6pm on Monday 11 August, Auckland's Sky Tower will light up in purple and teal, marking the launch of Tend Te Wiki Hauroa Wāhine (11-17 August) - New Zealand's biggest celebration of women's health and wellbeing. The week-long initiative, spearheaded by digi-physical healthcare provider Tend, will see events across the motu, from workshops in Marton to free cervical screening in Ōtautahi, all designed to encourage New Zealand wāhine to prioritise their health. "For too long, women have put everyone else first, their whānau, their work, their communities," says Cecilia Robinson, Co-CEO of Tend. "This week is their permission slip to put themselves at the centre of their own health story." Dame Valerie Adams champions the cause The week kicks off with an exclusive panel event at SkyCity on Monday 11 August, featuring Dame Valerie Adams, who will share her powerful story about the importance of prioritising women's health. "My own mum left us too soon because she didn't make her health a priority," says Dame Valerie Adams, whose mother tragically passed away from cervical cancer at just 39 years old. "It's a story I carry with me every day. This week, it is our wāhine's time to shine. I want them to have the conversations, ask the questions and seek the care they deserve.' Free cervical screening removes barriers A major highlight of the week is free cervical screening at all Tend clinics on Friday 15 August. Screening can prevent 95% of cervical cancers, yet cost remains a significant barrier for many women. "By removing the financial barrier for one day, we're not just providing a health service - we're sending a clear message that women's preventive healthcare should be accessible to all," says Robinson. Survey reveals the 'gender tax' on healthcare During the week, Tend will reveal findings from their groundbreaking survey of over 1,300 New Zealand women, exposing the true financial cost of being a woman in Aotearoa. "The research confirms there is a 'gender tax' when it comes to healthcare – money spent on essential health products and services that men simply don't need," says Robinson. "We're talking about period products, contraception, pregnancy care, menopause management – these aren't luxuries, they're necessities." Strong support from leaders across sectors The Hon Nicola Grigg, Minister for Women, is championing the event: "As a first-time mum juggling a busy travel schedule while working and caring for our son, I can now see how many women neglect their health needs because they've simply run out of hours in the week. I don't want any woman to put looking after their health and wellbeing at the bottom of the to-do list." The Selwyn Foundation, led by CEO Denise Cosgrove, is highlighting the unique health challenges and broader wellbeing issues facing older women. Single older women in particular can often face other difficulties that impact their overall health and make them more vulnerable – social isolation, housing insecurity, financial stress, and limited access to support. Tend Women's Health Week reminds us that health isn't just about medical care – it's about addressing the social determinants that impact wellbeing throughout a woman's life.' "We want every woman in New Zealand to feel empowered about her health," says Robinson. "Whether you're 18 or 80, whether you're dealing with periods, pregnancy, or menopause, this week is for you.' 'But this week isn't just for women, it's about all of us understanding women's health better," adds Robinson. "We want fathers, partners, sons, and colleagues to learn something new. When we support women's health, we strengthen our entire community." About Women's Health Week 2025 Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine is New Zealand's annual celebration of women's health and wellbeing, designed to encourage women to prioritise their physical and mental health. Founded by Tend in 2024, the week features events, educational content, and health services across the country.
Scoop
17-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Raewyn Lovett Appointed Inaugural Chair Of Selwyn Village Limited
The Selwyn Foundation has announced the appointment of respected governance leader Raewyn Lovett ONZM as the inaugural Chair of Selwyn Village Limited. Raewyn Lovett will be formally welcomed at a mihi whakatau at Selwyn Village on 24 June 2025. The Selwyn Foundation has announced the appointment of respected governance leader Raewyn Lovett ONZM as the inaugural Chair of Selwyn Village Limited – a new entity being established to lead Selwyn Village operations. Raewyn Lovett brings a wealth of experience in the retirement village and aged care sector, as well as commercial and not-for-profit governance. She is currently Chair of CHT Healthcare Trust and has been on the board CHT since 2013. She is currently Chair at Sport Zealand Ihi Aotearoa and High Performance Sport New Zealand Limited, and is Co-Chair of the International Working Group on Women and Sport. Outside of her governance roles, Raewyn specialises in commercial, corporate and property law at respected national firm Duncan Cotterill. 'Raewyn is a highly respected and experienced leader who brings deep sector knowledge and a strong values alignment to Selwyn. Her appointment signals our ongoing commitment to excellence in care, governance and community life at Selwyn Village. 'As we strengthen our structure to meet the changing needs of older New Zealanders, Raewyn's leadership will ensure Selwyn Village remains a place of manaaki, purpose and belonging. We are delighted to welcome her to the Selwyn whānau,' said David Cunliffe, Chair of The Selwyn Foundation. 'Selwyn Village is a thriving, inclusive and vibrant community, and it's a privilege to join the Board. It's an organisation that closely reflects my own values, and I look forward to contributing to its future. My hope is to help ensure Selwyn Village remains a special place – supporting today's and tomorrow's residents to live their best lives,' said Raewyn. The appointment follows a governance review by The Selwyn Foundation Board to ensure strong, focused oversight of both its social impact and mission and the operations of Selwyn Village. Selwyn Village Limited will take on full operational responsibility for Selwyn Village from 1 July 2025, with its own Board and Jason More, former Chief Operating Officer at The Selwyn Foundation, as Chief Executive. This change reflects The Foundation's commitment to strengthen both operational governance and its social impact and mission work among vulnerable older people. Raewyn Lovett will be formally welcomed at a mihi whakatau at Selwyn Village on 24 June 2025.
RNZ News
09-06-2025
- Health
- RNZ News
MenzShed sheds save lives - but we need more of them
health national about 1 hour ago MenzShed sheds improve member's emotional and pyhsical wellbeing, and provide men with a positive sense of belonging and purpose. A new report issued by MenzShed and conducted by The Selwyn Foundation highlights their impact - and is out today. The report paints a picture of sheds offering our ageing men health by stealth through connection with others. MenzShed chairman David Broadhead says the charity needs more land, buildings and funding to cater for the future need. He joins Jesse.
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
The Selwyn Foundation Announces First-of-its-Kind Investment In Older Persons' Wellbeing Focused On Dementia Support
Press Release – Selwyn Foundation The new agreement, announced at the 15 May Scaling Investments into Social Impact forum co-hosted by The Selwyn Foundation, the Impact Investing Network and Forsyth Barr, deepens the relationship further and signifies Selwyns first impact investment. AUCKLAND, 15 May 2025 – The Selwyn Foundation has announced plans to make New Zealand's first impact investment in the older persons' wellbeing market, via a new agreement with Ōtepoti Dunedin-based social enterprise Elli Cares. The Foundation will provide significant funding for the business's award-winning dementia support technology. The Elli Cares app, which is active in 40 countries, provides personalised reminders, location tracking, and AI-driven tools for users with dementia and caregivers. The Selwyn Foundation was an early financial supporter, selecting Elli Cares to receive a grant following its Respectful Ageing Innovation Challenge launched in 2023. This was designed to support the development of innovative products and services that would significantly improve outcomes for older people. 'There's surprisingly little philanthropic or private sector money currently going into services and support for older adults in Aotearoa. We're setting about changing this. As part of our Social Impact & Mission Strategy, which has allocated sizeable funding for impact investing and our partnership with Elli Cares is just the start,' said Denise Cosgrove, CEO of The Selwyn Foundation. The new agreement, announced at the 15 May Scaling Investments into Social Impact forum co-hosted by The Selwyn Foundation, the Impact Investing Network and Forsyth Barr, deepens the relationship further and signifies Selwyn's first impact investment. 'This investment is instrumental in allowing us to scale both our technology and our reach. It will directly support the rollout of our Preventative Health and AI-driven engagement tools, as well as expand our presence across Aotearoa and beyond through new partnerships with not-for-profits, aged care providers, and healthcare professionals. With Selwyn's backing, we can accelerate our mission to help older adults – especially those living with dementia or cognitive challenges – maintain independence, dignity, and wellbeing.' Angela Edwards, Founder of Elli Cares said. 'Impact investing is values-aligned investing intended to create positive social or environmental impacts alongside competitive financial returns. The size of the global market is $1.571 trillion USD and is expected to grow significantly. However, locally we are yet to fully embrace the potential of this market,' Cosgrove said. 'Solving our most pressing social challenges requires innovative investment approaches, new mindsets, and new kinds of partnerships. By investing capital into scalable investment opportunities, we can deliver financial returns alongside transformative outcomes for communities – in economic participation, ageing well, health and more. We invite others to partner with us to deliver social impact at scale, so all older people may age with dignity and respect.'
Scoop
15-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
The Selwyn Foundation Announces First-of-its-Kind Investment In Older Persons' Wellbeing Focused On Dementia Support
AUCKLAND, 15 May 2025 – The Selwyn Foundation has announced plans to make New Zealand's first impact investment in the older persons' wellbeing market, via a new agreement with Ōtepoti Dunedin-based social enterprise Elli Cares. The Foundation will provide significant funding for the business's award-winning dementia support technology. The Elli Cares app, which is active in 40 countries, provides personalised reminders, location tracking, and AI-driven tools for users with dementia and caregivers. The Selwyn Foundation was an early financial supporter, selecting Elli Cares to receive a grant following its Respectful Ageing Innovation Challenge launched in 2023. This was designed to support the development of innovative products and services that would significantly improve outcomes for older people. 'There's surprisingly little philanthropic or private sector money currently going into services and support for older adults in Aotearoa. We're setting about changing this. As part of our Social Impact & Mission Strategy, which has allocated sizeable funding for impact investing and our partnership with Elli Cares is just the start,' said Denise Cosgrove, CEO of The Selwyn Foundation. The new agreement, announced at the 15 May Scaling Investments into Social Impact forum co-hosted by The Selwyn Foundation, the Impact Investing Network and Forsyth Barr, deepens the relationship further and signifies Selwyn's first impact investment. 'This investment is instrumental in allowing us to scale both our technology and our reach. It will directly support the rollout of our Preventative Health and AI-driven engagement tools, as well as expand our presence across Aotearoa and beyond through new partnerships with not-for-profits, aged care providers, and healthcare professionals. With Selwyn's backing, we can accelerate our mission to help older adults - especially those living with dementia or cognitive challenges - maintain independence, dignity, and wellbeing.' Angela Edwards, Founder of Elli Cares said. 'Impact investing is values-aligned investing intended to create positive social or environmental impacts alongside competitive financial returns. The size of the global market is $1.571 trillion USD and is expected to grow significantly. However, locally we are yet to fully embrace the potential of this market,' Cosgrove said. 'Solving our most pressing social challenges requires innovative investment approaches, new mindsets, and new kinds of partnerships. By investing capital into scalable investment opportunities, we can deliver financial returns alongside transformative outcomes for communities – in economic participation, ageing well, health and more. We invite others to partner with us to deliver social impact at scale, so all older people may age with dignity and respect.'
