Local Community Groups for Seniors
Finding Local Community Groups for Seniors in New Zealand: Clubs, Sports, and Hobby Groups
Staying socially active is key to maintaining well-being as we age. For seniors in New Zealand, there’s no shortage of clubs, sports, and hobby groups that offer connection, purpose, and enjoyment. Whether you're in a major city or a small town, there are options available nationally to suit a variety of interests. Here's a guide to help seniors and their families find local community groups across the country.
National Senior-Focused Organisations
Several national organizations offer structured activities, events, and groups specifically for seniors:
Grey Power New Zealand
Grey Power is one of the largest senior advocacy groups in the country, but it’s not just about lobbying. Many local branches organise social events, guest speaker sessions, coffee groups, and outings. Membership provides access to these activities and helps foster a sense of belonging.
Age Concern New Zealand
Age Concern is present nationwide and offers a mix of services, including social connection programs like visiting services, senior walking groups, and friendship clubs. Many branches run workshops, games afternoons, or regular meetups tailored for older adults.
Sports and Active Recreation Options
Physical activity plays a crucial role in healthy ageing. Fortunately, many sport and recreation organisations in New Zealand are inclusive of seniors:
Walking Groups
Organisations like Sport New Zealand promote walking groups across the country, many of which cater to older adults. Local councils and community centers often have listings of neighborhood walking clubs or guided walks.
Bowls New Zealand
Lawn bowls remains a popular choice among seniors. Bowls clubs exist throughout New Zealand, from Auckland to Invercargill. Most clubs welcome new members and offer social games, leagues, and coaching sessions.
Senior Cycling Groups
Initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide a unique opportunity for seniors to enjoy cycling, often with specially designed trishaws piloted by volunteers. For more active seniors, many regions have bike clubs with dedicated senior rides.
Hobby and Interest-Based Groups
If sports aren’t appealing, hobby groups offer an excellent way to meet like-minded people and pursue interests:
U3A (University of the Third Age)
U3A operates throughout New Zealand and is designed for people aged 55 and older who are retired or semi-retired. It offers learning groups on topics ranging from history and science to arts and crafts. Each local U3A group is independently run and offers a wide variety of classes and discussion groups.
Craft and Art Clubs
Community centers, libraries, and local craft stores often host knitting circles, pottery classes, painting groups, and other creative gatherings specifically aimed at seniors. Websites like Creative New Zealand or local council pages can provide listings.
Men’s Sheds
With branches across the country, Men’s Sheds offer workshop spaces where men (though women are often welcome too) can build projects, share skills, and connect socially. It’s ideal for seniors who enjoy practical, hands-on activities.
How to Get Involved
Most local councils maintain online directories of clubs and groups, often under “community services” sections. Websites like Volunteer New Zealand, Meetup, or the CommunityNet Aotearoa directory are also excellent starting points. Seniors can also check noticeboards at libraries, RSA clubs, and local community centers.
New website Coming Soon; seniors.org.nz
To make finding local clubs and community groups even easier, SeniorsNewZealand is developing a new platform: seniors.org.nz. Launching late 2025, this website will allow seniors to connect with community groups, clubs, and activities in their area with just a couple of clicks. It’s designed to simplify the process and help seniors stay socially active and engaged, no matter where they live in New Zealand.
