Elizabeth Knox and Epsom Library Partner to Support New Migrants
Elders are out in our community, making a difference and breaking down barriers for themselves and our new migrants.
Elders from Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital, a not-for-profit care home in Epsom, are this week starting their second free English Conversation Course at Epsom Library. Their first dozen students have completed the course and there is a waiting list of 25 already lining up for the next Elder-led programme.
Neighbours, Epsom Library and Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital, saw a need in the community for learners to practice their English in a safe local environment and put their heads together to solve the problem. They saw that Knox had residents rich in experience, patience and language while
Epsom library had the space and the strong migrant community.
The result was a fortnightly programme that allowed learners to sign up to practice speaking with Knox elders over a 12 week period. The ratio of 2 or 3 learners to each care home resident meant that there was ample opportunity to practice speaking and gain confidence.
“We expected them to improve their English” said Tasha Mekisic, Knox staff team member, “but we were delighted by the relationships that developed. They really looked forward to seeing each other. They shared stories and photos and got to know each other really well”. The elders of Knox and the learners got on so well that they continued meeting and one new migrant has also decided to volunteer at Knox after meeting residents.
The energy and conversation at Epsom Library during the sessions illustrated the way in which libraries today act as a hub for the community. Rachel Xu, Senior Library Assistant Ethnic Communities, sees the library as being a vital part of new migrant’s life. “The library is a meeting place for them. They learn about their new community and make friends and connections”.
As the residents of Elizabeth Knox have shown, age is no barrier to making a difference in the community.
Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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73% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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17.5% Hmm, maybe?
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9.5% Yes!
Have you seen Rowena?
Police are urgently appealing for sightings of Rowena, 39, reported missing from Christchurch.
She was reported missing to Police on 22 October 2025, and was last seen on 14 August 2025. Rowena hasn’t been in contact with her children and her family are worried for her safety.
Police investigating her disappearance have identified her as being in Auckland, Tauranga and Christchurch in the recent months prior to her missing person report being made.
If you have seen Rowena, or have any information regarding her whereabouts, please contact us immediately.
You can contact us via 105 either over the phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz, clicking “Update Report” and referencing file number 251022/9026.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
A riddle to start the festive season 🌲🎁🌟
I'm a fruit. If you take away my first letter, I'm a crime. If you take away my first two letters, I'm an animal. If you take away my first and last letter, I'm a form of music. What am I?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
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