Latest news with #Ōtepoti
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.'
Otago Daily Times
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Band launches new album
Ōtepoti band MōtA will release their debut album, One, with a gig this Saturday, May 17. The album was recorded at Sublime Studios in Kurow, under the wing of Tom Havard and co-producer Steve Harrop. The three-piece, comprising Jimmy Higgs (guitars/vocals), Craig Hall (bass/vocals/te reo vocals) and Jason Chisholm (drums), has been together for a little over a year. "We've had a lot of fun over the past 12 months gigging and getting these songs sorted for release,'' Higgs said in a statement. 'The three of us have been mates for a long time, so the creative process is a super-relaxed and easy-going one." Saturday's concert will be held at the Southcoast Boardriders Association rooms, at the St Clair Esplanade, from 8pm, with support from Flying Man. Tickets via undertheradar and at the door.
Otago Daily Times
30-04-2025
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Rainbow crossing on horizon: councillor
Dunedin city councillor Mandy Mayhem hopes to be dancing over a Dunedin rainbow crossing before the year is out. While budget considerations nixed rainbow crossings from Bath St upgrade work, the Dunedin City Council still plans to create a home for them in the city centre. At yesterday's council meeting, climate and city growth general manager Scott Maclean said the two crossings at either end of Bath St had been removed from the project but, pending budget approval, would be included in the work programme for the 2025-26 financial year. "I've talked with the transport team and they believe they can deliver the rainbow crossings ... without any additional budget." Contractor cost estimates for the Bath St work had come in above the $1.5million budget — the cost of installing the crossings had been an estimated $279,000, an accompanying report said. A proposed crossing design, referencing the weaving of a hīnaki (eel trap) and the colours of the progress pride flag, had been presented to the council in December. Staff had worked closely with the rainbow community, who wanted "uniquely Ōtepoti" crossings which incorporated mana whenua narrative and values, Mr Maclean said. A report on the rainbow crossings, including updated designs, would go back to the council later this year. Cr Mayhem said the council had voted in 2021 to include a rainbow crossing in city upgrades and, while it seemed minor, the crossings would give a sense of belonging and identity to minority communities. "It's not about being woke, it's about being respectful of all of our residents. "There will be a rainbow crossing, and hopefully by the end of this year." Cr Andrew Whiley said he looked forward to walking across a Dunedin rainbow crossing. In reply, Cr Mayhem said she would not be walking — "I want to dance on it". Cr Carmen Houlahan supported a rainbow crossing but said the "multicoloured eel thing everywhere is too much". Cr Brent Weatherall said he was pleased Bath St would come within budget but did not support a complex "monstrosity" — a rainbow crossing with "simple" stripes should suffice. Cr Christine Garey said she was "gobsmacked" at the pair's disrespect towards members of the community and the crossing designers — "you should be ashamed of yourselves". Other changes to Bath St upgrades include cutting paved areas by about 60%, reducing the amount of artistic lighting and removing two carparks from Bath St. It was proposed the carparks be accounted for by adapting tour bus parks outside the Civic Centre in George St — consultation on parking changes would begin this month, Mr Maclean said. Councillors accepted the report.
