FOR the past 15 years, the New Zealand-based Golden Oldies Missions has led groups of senior volunteers into communities around Suva and in the North, building something that stretches far beyond the usual idea of short-term aid.
That philosophy has shaped the mission’s work across informal settlements, churches, schools and health facilities, particularly among Melanesian communities.
What began as outreach visits has evolved into long-standing partnerships grounded in trust and shared purpose.
Each year, the group spends about 10 days in Fiji, but their impact is measured in years.
Over time, they have helped support micro-business initiatives, fundraise for women’s fishing boats, and distribute donated goods from New Zealand, ranging from schoolbooks and sports equipment to medical supplies for centres like the Nausori Health Centre and Wainibokasi Hospital.
Golden Oldies Mission co-founder, Graeme Mitchell said the items they bring are gifts from people back at home in New Zealand.
“These are all gifts from people back home; we don’t want to just give and leave. We want to walk alongside people,” he said.
That distinction, he said is what makes Golden Oldies different.
“What makes us a little bit different from short-term missions is that they don’t return,” he said. ”
We call ourselves short-term long-term missions because we keep coming back to the same places and the same people.”
The relationships built over the years have grown into something deeper, friendships with families, children and entire communities who now expect not just assistance, but connection.
“We love the culture, the friendship and the warmth of the hospitality of the Fijian people,” he said.
“It’s a privilege to be here.”
But beyond donations, the mission has shifted its focus toward sustainability.
One of their key areas of interest is micro-financing, encouraging communities to develop their own savings and loan systems rather than waiting for external aid.
“We are interested in helping people see that they don’t have to wait for aid,” Mitchell said.
“They can raise their own funds and support each other.”
That approach is already taking shape through practical, community-driven projects.
In the past year, the group has worked with men in informal settlements to build coffins, an initiative that provides both skills and cost-saving benefits.
“Coffin making is for the men, especially those carpenters who are underemployed,” he said.
“Instead of buying expensive caskets, they can now make their own.”
Alongside that, community gardens are being developed, reinforcing the idea of self-reliance at the grassroots level.
For Mitchell, the goal has never been to arrive as a benefactor, but as a partner.
“We don’t want to be the palagi that gives gifts like Father Christmas,” he said.
“We just want to serve, to walk alongside Fijian people, and to work together on things that will truly help them.
“We don’t say goodbye when we leave, we simply just say, ‘see you later.’”
The group had a chance to visit The Fiji Times office during their 10 days trip to Fiji.
Donated items by supporters and friends of the Golden Oldies Mission members. Picture: GOLDEN OLDIES MISSION
This ‘vitals’ machine will help the doctors and nurses with the care they offer. Picture: GOLDEN OLDIES MISSION
Fish farming could generate new revenues for churches. Picture: GOLDEN OLDIES MISSION
The Golden Oldies team with the Fiji team. Picture: GOLDEN OLDIES MISSION
The Golden Oldies Mission team visit a school with their donation. Picture: GOLDEN OLDIES MISSION
Members of the Golden Oldies Mission visited The Fiji Times this week.
Picture: ANA MADIGIBULI
