Local dementia services on the brink of collapse
Many Queenstown Lakes families face losing vital dementia support as a region-wide funding shortage hits Alzheimers Otago.
More than 3,500 people living with dementia in the Queenstown Lakes district are at risk of losing the community support they depend on, with Alzheimers Otago warning that its dementia services across Queenstown and Wānaka could be reduced unless new funding is secured.
Manager Antoinette McLean says the organisation has been fortunate to receive six years of seed funding from the ADEPT MACTODD Charitable Trust (now the Mactodd Community Charitable Trust), which enabled Alzheimers Otago to establish and grow its local services.
“The Trust’s support has been instrumental in allowing us to build dementia services in the Queenstown and Wānaka area,” McLean said. “Their contribution was always intended as start-up funding, and we are extremely grateful for the strong foundation it provided.
With the Trust now broadening its grant-making focus, Alzheimers Otago is working to identify new funding partners to ensure these services can continue sustainably into the future.
Government contract funding covers only a quarter of the organisation’s community services, meaning grants and donations remain essential to
keeping local dementia support operating. Alzheimers Otago’s geographical area spans from Oamaru to Dunedin, South Otago, Central Otago, Wānaka, and Queenstown Lakes.
“This is a critical moment,” McLean said. “Without new funding, we may have to reduce dementia navigation support and group programmes in Queenstown and Wānaka. Demand is growing fast, and losing these services would be devastating for local families.”
Alzheimers Otago currently supports 494 families living with dementia, including 47 people who live alone. The region’s ageing population is expected to drive a doubling of dementia cases in the next decade.
“These services keep people safe, connected, and supported in their own homes,” McLean said. “They’re not optional — they’re essential.”
Nationally, three New Zealanders develop dementia every hour — more than 500 new cases every week — according to Alzheimers NZ Chief Executive Catherine Hall.
“Government funding covers only a fraction of what’s needed,” Hall said. “Local services across the country must fundraise just to stay open. Alzheimers Otago’s situation is urgent.”
McLean is calling on local businesses, philanthropists and the community to help safeguard these services.
“If you’ve ever thought about making a difference locally, this is the moment. Your support could keep someone’s parent or grandparent connected to the care they rely on.”
How to help
Donations to support Alzheimers Otago’s dementia services can be made online or by contacting info@alzheimersotago.org.nz.