Digital Seniors will be hosting two Wairarapa candidates at their weekly Thursday Zoom session. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
ARTHUR HAWKES
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Digital Seniors is a charity committed to getting older folk connected to the digital realm, and they’ll be hosting two Wairarapa political candidates on the video-conferencing platform Zoom, with the first meeting today.
Mike Butterick, the National Party candidate, will be joining in today at 11am to field questions and chat with seniors via video feed.
Kieran McAnulty, the Labour candidate, will be hosted a fortnight later [Thursday, October 1], also at 11am.
Digital Seniors runs these free online hubs every Thursday, where seniors can talk, learn about technology, and participate in games.
Sarah Wright is the community manager for Digital Seniors and was encouraging seniors to contact the charity should they wish to take part, and to meet the candidates from the comfort of their own home, via Zoom.
“Ever since lockdown, we’ve been running these online learning hubs just for seniors, and we thought they were a really great way to get seniors learning about technology and to provide some entertainment,” Wright said.
“Out of that came the desire to talk to some of our candidates, so we’ve managed to get the candidates to join in our online hubs, so the seniors can ask some questions and talk to them.”
Wright said that any seniors were welcome to join in the Thursday Zoom sessions, they just needed to contact Digital Seniors on their free number [0800 373 646], who would then assist with the setup if needed.
Kieran McAnulty, Labour Party candidate for Wairarapa, said he was “looking forward” to meeting seniors on Zoom.
“While they are pleased with the support offered by this government, including the Winter Energy Payment, seniors aren’t just in it for themselves – they care about their families and the opportunities for their grandchildren,” McAnulty said.
“Our seniors have a swath of experience to offer us all, and that includes perspective and reflection, so I look forward to discussing my plan for Wairarapa if elected as MP.
“They remember the time where Wairarapa offered young families and our youth every opportunity. And getting back there is a goal we share.”
Other candidates confirmed to run for the Wairarapa electorate are Ron Mark [NZ First], Celia Wade-Brown [Green], Warren Butterworth [New Conservative], and Roger Greenslade [ACT].
- Seniors can free phone 0800 373 646 to contact the charity, who can provide assistance with setting up Zoom, and with all other areas of technology.
