My Wellington: Sleep in, sea view, good walk - recipe for a perfect rest day
Saturday, 1 November 2025
Karen Billings-Jensen is the chief executive of Age Concern New Zealand. A registered social worker she has previously worked at the Wellington City Mission and with Barnardos.
I live in …
Upper Hutt, though I am Wellington born and bred growing up and living in the Northern suburbs until about nine years ago when I moved north. I’ve worked in Wellington city, Porirua, Kāpiti, and the Hutt over my career, so I feel quite “regional”. Each area has its beauty, but all have proximity to amazing walks, views, and of course incredible people.
Favourite brunch or lunch spot to meet friends?
I love watching the sea, so anywhere with a sea view always suits me. One of my favourite places for lunch is the Waterfront Bar in Raumati where I can people-watch and enjoy the view. I am a grazer, so my favourite lunch is always a platter that has cheeses, pickles, pate, breads, dips … I don’t drink tea or coffee, so my usual tipple is Coke Zero.
Best place to catch a sunrise/sunset?
You can’t beat Wellington on a lovely evening and wherever you are the sunset colours give you a different vibe. I do love the view from Days Bay/Eastbourne and equally from Makara beach.
Where do you take a visitor from out on the town?
I grew up in a family where we went on a Sunday drive and there was no a better way to show off the city than a family favourite - starting at Owhiro Bay and driving around the southern coast. We’d take multiple stops and if it is someone out of town, we might even go all the way round to the Pencarrow Coast. Wellington has amazing vistas in every direction, so I like to show visitors how special our home is.
Ageism is …
one of worst unconscious isms. We don’t realise how pervasive it is in so many of conversations – it impacts how we think, feel, and speak about ageing and older people. It can also be unconscious ageism about ourselves. We are so exposed to negative messages and stereotypes about ageing in all areas – from the workplace, media, healthcare, and even in our own families.
The most concerning issues seen by Age Concern?
The issues that we focus on are some the determinants of ageing well in communities – environments that we can age in – secure, warm, accessible housing; age-friendly environments. The Age-Proofing Aotearoa report was just released, and it gives good insights into the things our network sees every day.
Wellington needs more …
It’s hard to choose, but a diverse range of homes that can create caring communities is important to me. I want my friends and neighbours to be able to downsize, upsize, or change homes according to their needs, while staying in the communities that they enjoy and feel supported.
And fewer?
In the mid-90s I worked for the Wellington City Mission and at the time I could name most people living on our streets. I know a solution is challenging and agencies are trying to do their best, but I would like to see greater support to find suitable homes for people living on our streets.
A new report out this month says aged care is in crisis with not enough staff to look after some of our most vulnerable. What's the solution?
Aged care is important, and it needs to be adequately invested in. We also find the newly released report titled Age-Proofing Aotearoa report by WSP and The Helen Clark Foundation provides strong evidence to inform decision-makers. Many of the recommendations align with the work of Age Concern and we are pleased to see a comprehensive report focused on areas that reflect key priority areas for our work. END
The perfect rest day …
A sleep in or an early morning read, followed by lunch with friends and a good walk finishing with a drink or dinner, with a sea view of course, so somewhere like Shed 5 or Coene’s.
Place to pick up a bargain?
I love open air markets, both for the fruit and vegetables but also for the food and other stalls. Brewtown Sunday Market is a favourite, as is the Harbourside Market if we’re in town.
A message for the new mayor…
Really a message for all the mayors across the wider region – how can all the local authorities work together to think regionally about services and population needs. I think the results from the recent amalgamation polls in Hutt City and Porirua mean that there should at least be serious conversations around the future, always ensuring local voices are heard.
As told to Julie Jacobson