New CEO and National President for Age Concern New Zealand

Age Concern New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of a new CEO and National President for the organisation.

Stephanie Clare, current Clinical Leader of Parkinson’s New Zealand, has accepted a secondment with Age Concern in the role of Chief Executive.  

Emeritus Professor, Peter Oettli was elected as President, as previous President Evelyn Weir had completed her term. Peter has been on the Age Concern New Zealand board since 2011 and has served as Vice President for the past two years, as well as being an Age Concern Hamilton Council member since 2005.

Both Stephanie and Peter are excited to work together in their new roles to improve the lives of older New Zealanders – and to ensure that older people are not stereotyped, but given the support they need and the recognition they deserve.

The successful secondment of Stephanie follows the departure of previous CEO Robyn Scott, who has taken the position of Director of the Ministry for Youth Development.

Stephanie will job share, allowing her to continue her work as Clinical Leader for Parkinson’s New Zealand. The decision to appoint an interim Chief Executive was made by the Board of Age Concern New Zealand, as the organisation continues its work on the future structure of Age Concern.

“I am thrilled with the opportunity to work with everyone at Age Concern New Zealand. It will be wonderful to be part of an organisation that values and advocates for older New Zealanders” says Stephanie. Stephanie has more than 20 years of leadership experience in the not-for-profit and health sector, including the recently held position of Acting Chief Executive at Parkinson’s New Zealand.

The appointment brings many new opportunities for Age Concern and Parkinson’s New Zealand to collaborate, with aligned mission and values and some stakeholder crossover. Both organisations strive to connect people with the support, education and advice to live great lives and are excited to work together to do even more for the vulnerable people of New Zealand.

“We need to accord dignity, respect and recognition to the growing older segment of our population”, says Peter, “and we will do this through the national coordination of the Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Service, the Accredited Visiting Service and the National Health Promotion contract.”

Age Concern New Zealand also works to represent older New Zealanders, so that their voices are heard on important issues.