Expo earns positive feedback

The Positive Ageing Expo drew a large crowd. Photo / Ben Fraser

The Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre was teeming with the most switched-on older members of the community for the Positive Ageing Expo.

The Age Concern-organised event had more than 30 stalls, which featured information, services and activities available in Rotorua for older persons and their families.

The expo garnered a lot of interest from 10am-2pm on Saturday, Kiwi Coffin Club Rotorua treasurer Jo-Anne La Grouw, who ran a stall at the expo, said.

"There were very good numbers, and I thought it was all very positive.

"There was a great, buzzy atmosphere.

"I am not sure about numbers but the whole four hours was just a steady stream of people which peaked at midday."

The crowd was treated to performances by Cook Island dancers, the Heart of Gold Singers, Simply Strings, Japanese drummers and a Zumba demonstration, Age Concern health promotor and event organiser Mary Ann Nixon said.

Pickleball and tai chi were also on show.

Mrs La Grouw said the expo made it easy to get in touch and involved with groups.

"I have always wanted to join Grey Power but I have never got around to it, so I picked up a membership form for that, and I wanted to go to Senior Net so picked up a contact for that - so personally I benefited from it."

She said the expo was very positive for the Kiwi Coffin Club, and they would like to attend next year.

"As far as our stand goes I am expecting a lot of new people to come up and have a look and see what we do.

"We have a club day Wednesday morning so we gave out lots of information.

"A lot of people had heard of us but had never really followed up on where we were. They knew of us but never bothered to follow up or take the next step."