Three New Zealanders Recognised For Changing The Lives Of Thousands

Three remarkable New Zealanders who have improved the
lives of older people have been recognised at the 2026 Age
Concern New Zealand Huia Awards tonight.

This year’s
recipients, Margaret Dando (Otago), John Parsons
(Southland), and Jennifer Couch (Waikato), have collectively
dedicated decades to helping older people stay active,
connected, independent, and safe.

“These recipients
demonstrate the many ways one person can positively impact
the lives of older people,” says Karen Billings-Jensen,
Chief Executive of Age Concern New Zealand.

“Whether
it’s preventing falls, protecting people from scams, or
reducing loneliness through companionship, their
contributions have strengthened communities and enriched the
lives of countless older New Zealanders.”

Margaret
Dando is being recognised for her leadership in developing
and expanding Steady As You Go®. Each year, around one in
three people aged over 65 will experience a fall in New
Zealand, and this peer-led exercise programme is attended by
over 6,500 older New Zealanders each week across the
country. Through her work at Age Concern Otago, Margaret has
helped thousands improve their strength, confidence, and
social connections while reducing their risk of
falls.

John Parsons, a cyber safety educator who has
worked alongside Age Concern Southland for more than a
decade, is recognised for helping older people understand
and avoid online scams. His practical approach and
one-on-one support have helped hundreds of older people
protect themselves from cybercrime and rebuild confidence
after falling victim to scams.

Jennifer Couch has
volunteered with Age Concern Waikato for 22 years, building
meaningful friendships with older people through the Age
Concern’s Visiting Service programme. Her dedication to
companionship and connection has helped reduce loneliness
and social isolation for some of Waikato’s most vulnerable
older residents.

While their contributions are vastly
different, all three recipients share a commitment to
ensuring older people feel valued, supported, and
connected.

Now in its fifth year, the Age Concern New
Zealand Huia Awards recognise individuals who have made an
outstanding contribution to improving the wellbeing of older
people in Aotearoa New Zealand. The 2026 recipients were
honoured at a ceremony hosted by Hon. Casey Costello at
Parliament.

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