Co-Creating the Future of Dementia Care: Stakeholders Gather for Transformative Co-Creation Workshop on Dementia Care

Last Tuesday marked a significant milestone for dementia care in Aotearoa New Zealand, as the IDEA (Impact of Dementia mate wareware and Solutions for Equity in Aotearoa) Programme hosted its very first Co-creation Workshop in partnership with CCREATE-AGE.

The workshop brought together a diverse group of policymakers, healthcare leaders, researchers, and community representatives to collectively map priorities and co-design culturally relevant dementia services for Aotearoa New Zealand’s future in dementia care for community people.

Visualizing Shared Solutions

A highlight of the workshop was the use of live illustrators, who transformed participants’ discussions and motivations into vibrant visual maps. These illustrations captured the collective energy and shared commitment to creating dementia care that serves all communities.

A United Approach to Equity

Funded by the Health Research Council, the IDEA Programme is working directly with Māori, Pacific, Indian/Fijian Indian, Chinese, and Pākehā communities to ensure future dementia services are equitable and culturally responsive. This workshop exemplified the power of bringing diverse voices to the same table.

What’s Next?

The insights and connections from this workshop will directly shape the IDEA Programme’s next steps, ensuring our work remains grounded in community needs and system expertise. We will be hosting ongoing co-creation workshops next year in 2026 and 2027.

Want to join us in the co-creation?
Get in touch with us at idea@auckland.ac.nz