BOARD BULLETIN  19   February 14th  2003  

From The President

Since the last bulletin we have had the Christmas break and a little rest through January but in February we made some visits to Wellington .
Attended an Aged Care Forum meeting which is of importance to us as it is dealing with the recruitment and training of the care givers so necessary to allow the elderly to be treated in the environment of their own home.
We are making slow progress but the effort is worthwhile.

The meeting with people below centred around a request that we had made in December to talk with Dr Cullen about the foreshore and seabed issue so having obtained an appointment to meet with him arranged a number of meetings
.Ruth Dyson was unable to offer us any more than that contained in the asset testing bill and we advised that we were most unhappy that the original election pledge has not been met.

Meetings with the senior citizens office and the Disabilities Commissioner were fruitful and we have information from the latter that will be distributed.

The other politicians that we met with were John Tamihere , Cullen , Maharey, Hodgson , Donald , Brash , Brownlee, Lynda Scott , Dunne - at all these meetings we stressed the inadequacy of the level of superannuation.

These meetings have been covered by reports issued by the office .

We also spent some time speaking with the Retirement Commissioner and the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner. We have a meeting with the Prime Minister at the end of March mainly to press claims for increased super payments.

Retirement Villages

The current situation is that the code of practice has yet to be settled - the Act requires the Minister to approve a code of practice which will apply to all villages. The Minister has called for submissions of the code of practice by early May and from these one will be selected or a code will be put together from all the submissions . This will then be passed to the Retirement Commissioner who will then call for public submissions .
Any Association or individual can submit to the Minister or to the public submission - once the code of practice is determined then this will apply to all villages.

The new Act contains a number of provisions not in the original Bill and it is highly recommended that anyone contemplating village life obtain a copy of the Act.

From Dick Stark Zone 7 Director

Most of the Associations in Zone Seven are very involved in their Local Issues and are making the Grey Power voice heard.  The same issues are always resurfacing re Health,   --  Energy  -- Law and Order  -- Water  -- Superanuation and Rates.

  Some Associations are having problems trying to get Office Bearers for the coming year and we intend to look more closely at this issue.
  I am investigating the publishing of Media Releases at this stage with the thought that the Media should respond more to help our organisation with community and nationwide concerns.

From Vice President Don Chapman

It is a well known fact that the wheels of justice turn exceedingly slow and this is certainly the case with regard to the Older Driver complaint that we lodged with the Human Rights Commission.

The slow progress is not the fault of the HRC who have been very supportive and helpful with our complaint.

It appears that Crown Law, the legal representative of Government, are not prepared to meet with us at this point in time, whereby, we would have the opportunity to discuss the complaint and be prepared to enter into mediation to find an acceptable solution.

A further meeting was held in February with Human Rights Staff, where we pointed out that the delay in achieving a resolution to our complaint was unacceptable and more pressure must be applied to the Government representatives to meet with us.

The Human Rights personnel who are handling our complaint have written to Crown Law and are awaiting their reply.
Mr Mervin Singham who is the disputes resolution manager with the Human Rights Office in Auckland, has agreed to address the delegates at our AGM to update them with the situation.

From Don Robertson Superannuation Portfolio

Grey Power believes that the NZ Superannuation is sustainable for the both current and future generations.
The country would be better served if all political parties unequivocally committed themselves to the provision of universal NZ Superannuation for all generations as an entitlement.

How many politicians know what it really is like to live on basic Superannuation? 400,000 Kiwis could tell them. Very. Very Difficult!!

Many MPs, secure in their pensions after only 9 years in Parliament, advocate that those Kiwis in their 20s’ (or is it their 40’s and older?) should no longer rely on the universal provision of NZ Superannuation. Economists of the calibre of Len Bayliss insist that NZ Superannuation is sustainable now and in the future.

Grey Power totally agrees with Mr Bayliss’ contention that NZ Superannuation is sustainable because it is low cost, universal and sustainable.

Grey Power Policy largely agreed with the 1993 cross party accord on Superannuation.
This set the base level for Superannuation as that payable to a married couple.

The Accord fell victim to the first coalition government and its essay into compulsory superannuation. Its demise was followed by a savage attack on New Zealand’s Retired by the Minority National Government.

What the Accord did achieve was to set the benchmark for payment of NZS on a continuum of between 65 – 72.5% of the after tax average wage.

The time has come to fight for a restoration of NZS to a level that restores dignity and the ability to participate in their communities to say nothing of being able to afford meat, power, rates and home maintenance.

From Les Howard Director Zone 6

The last Zone Meeting was held in Ashburton on February 9. North Canterbury and Twizel Associations reported that they would not be attending the Federation AGM in Auckland.

The Associations not attending were reminded that this year there would be no proxy voting and that if they wished to vote on any agenda matters they must send their vote in prior to the meeting. The date would be advised.

All Associations appeared to be in good heart although Twizel stated that they would be having problems filling their committee at the next AGM and requested me to attend. The Twizel AGM will be held on May 6.

I have attended meetings in Wellington with the electricity committee. Concern has been expressed to the Minister over the high prices for electricity and the even higher price rises predicted. It is of great concern that only the Minister does not appear to be sympathetic to our claims in spite of the fact that all consumer groups we have contacted believe as we do. Of course the government receives almost a billion dollars annually from the industry so he has no incentive to lower prices.

I also attended another meeting at NZ Standards on the Effective Staffing for Aged and Dementia Care. There is still a lot of feeling between Rest Home Owners and Registered Nurses. This will only be put to rest when sufficient funding is received from government. I firmly believe that this care should not be funded by District Health Boards.

The Board meeting was held during the last week of February. It was pleasing to have Dennis Paget recommended for Life Membership of Grey Power Federation. His work on the Health portfolio has been outstanding and he is held in very high regard by all those he has come in contact with. I would like to wish Dennis and his wife Jessie all the best in his retirement and I am sure he will be sadly missed.

REMITS Portfolio Holder - Ruby Aberhart.

What will happen to Remits after the AGM?

The procedure is clearly stated in the Code of Practice for Remits which all associations will find in the Federation Handbook.
After the AGM a list of all remits addressed at the AGM are recorded in the Remits Register. Copies of these are held st the Federation Office and with all Zone Directors. The Board will determine how best to effect any action needed.

Copies of any action are sent to the Federation Office and the Remits Convener, who reports to each Board meeting on the progress of the Remits. Associations can request copies of these reports.

I would recommend that everyone attending the AGM becomes familiar with numbers 8 & 9 of the Code of Practice for Remits.
All the best for the AGM.

MEMBERSHIP IS 77584.Keep it RISING

From Peter Rutledge Director Zone 4

A well attended meeting was held on 30 January at Palmerston North. 10 remits were put forward for consideration and these have been forwarded to the Remits Committee for inclusion in the 2004 AGM agenda.

Considerable discussion was held on the present administration arrangements for Federation affairs.
It is strongly believed that a Chief Executive Officer should be appointed and based in Wellington. Once the appointee has become fully conversant with the complexities of the job an office should then be established in Wellington. Steps will then to be taken to have the secretarial and treasury functions moved into the same office.

It is clear that the Federation should have its office in Wellington to be based right at the seat of Government. The office would not need to be right in the heart of the City but could be located in one of the outer suburbs where rents are cheaper

The Associations of Zone 4 have decided to establish a fund to run an advertising campaign during the run up to the next general election. It will be funded by a levy of participating Associations based on membership. The objective will be to build up membership to increase our influence on would be candidates.

Considerable concern still exists in relation to the current Asset Testing Bill. The impression has been gained from meetings addressed by the Hon Ruth Dyson that the Government has a false idea that the current Bill has the full support of Grey Power. This is very far from the truth.

From Liz Renner Director Zone 1

Zone 1 held its third meeting for the year towards the end of January 2004 and it was pleasing that all associations were represented. Associations expressed their concern that the minutes of the previous Federation Board meeting that was held at the beginning of November had not been received.
It was resolved that a letter be sent to the Grey Power Federation voicing their concern.

Lively discussion took place on the Electricity & Rate demands which was of great concern to all and it was resolved that the previous Zone1 Director Dennis Scollick in conjunction with Mr Laing draft a remit regarding the proposed electricity increases, which was approved by the Zone for forthcoming AGM.

Concern was also expressed by all Associations on the ongoing saga of Kaitaia hospital and members were urged to write to the Minister concerned voicing their concerns.

The next Zone meeting is scheduled for Thursday 25th March where it is hoped that the Federation AGM information would be available for discussion.

Peter Rutledge has been appointed to a Focus Group of the NZ Bankers Association to work on banking issues that affect the elderly.  If you have any problems in the banking business please advise him of what they are.
  His contacts are Phone 234 1929, fax 234 1928, e-mail p.rutledge@clear.net.nz

 

From Zone 5 Director Ruby Aberhart

Membership numbers continue to grow in Zone 5.
Associations continue to work strongly for the elderly in the area. Of great concern is the persistent rise in the cost of living including electricity – another rise in the Nelson region of $16 per month, (how will people keep warm this winter?) – car registration, insurance (some can’t afford this anymore!). Housing, Rates, Water, Health: GP’s & Pharmacies now charge for everything they do!

All in all, the overall cost of living has become stressful for many people.

IS THERE A MORE EFFECTIVE WAY TO GET OUR NEEDS MET?

Special Function. The Zone is having a function in March for Jessie & Dennis Paget to say thank-you for the input they have made to Zone 5 over the years.

AGM A comment made to me at the 2003 AGM “Ruby you used to be continually on the conference floor!” My reply,
“Well as a delegate for Motueka I was there to represent the Motueka members” (I surely Did That). As I see it the AGM is for the delegates to speak on behalf of their members. I will reinforce as I see the need.

I believe the Zone Directors role is to raise issues and speak on behalf of the Associations forming Zone 5 and I certainly do this.

At our recent Zone 5 meeting Ruby Aberhart was re- elected as Zone Director and Roy Reid (Golden Bay Assn) was elected Deputy Zone Director.

From Zone 2 Director Frank Jackson.

Thanks to the AGM Planning Committee for a job well done. Convenor Bill Atkinson, As a result I am sure Delegates to the AGM will be more than pleased with arrangements & venue.

  I am looking forward to my second year of service on the Federation Board and am pleased to see that we will have the unopposed services of President, Graham Stairmand, for another term. I am sure all of us in Zone Two are sad to note that Dennis Paget has decided to retire - for mainly health reasons - and we wish him well knowing that his shoes will be hard to fill in the Health Portfolio. 
Thanks for your great service Dennis over a long period of time.

Thanks also to my Associations in Zone Two who keep me well posted with Minutes & Newsletters. While life on the Board does not seem to get any easier I am appreciative of those who try to maintain a positive outlook and look forward to a successful AGM in April.

The Board suggests to all GP Associations that they enquire thru’ their n/letters etc., of all members who are/or have been on the elective surgery waiting list for more than 6 months and have not received a definite procedure date. Or advise if surgery was cancelled for any reason without future substitute date. Indicate relevant dates, DHB and Surgical List.
This information to Grey Power Health Committee.

From Zone 3 Director Hamish Perry

Overall, Associations within the Zone are functioning well, with several associations recording very acceptable renewals of membership even at this early stage of the financial year.
Zone meetings are well attended resulting in the main, of positive discussions taking place on subjects of topical importance. It is disturbing however that there are still a few executives from three or four associations who obviously feel that they are bigger than the present organization and persistently do their utmost to disrupt the overall running of the Zone and inhibit efforts to be an effective group to make unimpaired headway to further the good of Grey Power. Their prolonged disruptive attitude begs the question of the response which would be given by the grass roots membership were they made aware of the situation these few people create.

These unfortunate episodes aside, the last two years have produced quite a pleasing result for those intent on furthering Grey Power ideals.

Hamish Perry has been returned, unopposed, for a third term as Zone Director, while Patrick Robinson, (President Paeroa Association) was elected unopposed as Deputy Zone Director.
Several of the smaller Associations within the Zone are taking the opportunity to attend the AGM and Conference to be held in Auckland in April.

Several Zone delegates have expressed a sincere desire to go into the forthcoming Federation members and elderly folk overall.

From Terry King Energy Portfolio

The Energy Committee continues to challenge electricity price rises because we believe that the price rises have been caused by generators and retailers taking advantage of electricity shortages to deliberately raise prices, and ineffective competition maintains them.

Last month the Committee met the Minister of Energy, Hon Pete Hodgson, and at a separate meeting the new Chairman of the Electricity Commission.
On both occasions the Committee disputed the statement that” prices have to rise to meet the cost of new generation”.

The Committee also pushed for the establishment of a ‘Consumer Issues Group’ with adequate funding, technical and political resources to challenge electricity industry decisions.

From law & order portfolio Hamish Perry

during the past year this committee has developed a contact with the three government ministers associated with this portfolio. the initial meeting with these people has been invaluable to the development of future deliberations and dialogue.
in spite of our endeavours to secure legislation from the powers that be to make the lives of our elderly safe and secure along with looking at the long term prevention of crime affecting this objective.

From Dennis Paget Health Portfolio. Re Asset Testing Legislation IMPORTANT NOTICE

Media release - Social Services Committee

Social Security (Long-term Residential Care) Amendment Bill

The Social Services Committee is inviting public submissions on the Social Security (Longterm Residential Care) Amendment Bill.
The closing date for submissions is 23 April 2004.
This bill seeks to progressively increase the value of assets people may retain before being required to use them to pay for long-term residential care.

Copies of the bill can be purchased from Bennetts Government Bookshops.
The committee requires 20 copies of each submission. Those wishing to include any information of a private or personal nature in a submission should first discuss this with the clerk of the committee, as submissions are usually released to the public by the committee.

Those wishing to appear before the committee to speak to their submissions should state this clearly and provide a daytime telephone contact number. For further guidance on making a submission, our publication Making a Submission to a Parliamentary Select Committee can be found on our web site at www'clerk.parliament.govtnz.

Submissions should be addressed as follows:
Graham Hill
Social Services Committee, Parliament House, WELLINGTON
Contact for further details:
Georgina Beyer (Chairperson) on (04) 471 9999, or Graham Hill on (04) 4719533 Graham.Hill@parliament.govt.nz

From Board Member Wes Cameron

I believe the current climate in politics could enable Grey Power to exercise it's influence in a way that could be beneficial to New Zealand.
After all we should be as our emblem indicates Wise by experience and could, given the opportunity, lead with our potential at the ballot box, in an attempt to return some standards of behaviour and accountability to our society.

Superannuation is a big issue particularly in South Canterbury where the number of retirees as a percentage of the population is higher than the national average.
This fact, coupled with a large proportion depending on Super payments as a sole source of income, make the question of the sustainability of the present system vital.

Today 16th, March 2004 the Timaru Herald quotes Wellington Economist Mr Len Bayliss, reiterating his view that the present system is sound and those claiming it to be unsustainable were basing their argument on flawed accounting.
The doomsday view of a massive taxpayer burden from the rising number of pensioners should be firmly rejected he said.
We should support and push this fact.

If there must be a Cullen fund let us support the idea and continue to press for a major proportion to be invested wisely in New Zealand.

Further news on Alzheimer’s Disease.

A medical adviser to the Alzheimers Society has added his voice to calls for treatment for Alzheimer's disease to be subsidised.
Dr Phil Wood, of Waitemata Health in Auckland, says there are some sound social and economic reasons for health funds to be invested in recent innovations in medications for the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.
"They may delay the progression of the disease state and reduce behavioural complications, allowing people to maintain their independence and dignity."

Dr Wood says over the last 10 years, advances in the treatment with medication now offer a reasonable prospect for improvement or stabilisation of Alzheimer's and related dementias.
The flow on benefit from that he says is likely to be a reduction in the need for state funded institutional care.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are the only approved and available treatments capable of temporarily reversing or delaying the progression of Alzheimer's disease, Lewy Body dementia and even vascular dementia.

Dr Wood says it is a "travesty" that many of those who would benefit are being denied the opportunity because they do not have the funds to access the medications.
"All that is being asked is that patients be given a chance to receive treatment that may delay the progress of an incurable disease and allow them, the families and care givers, quality time together". Dr Wood says it's important to realise that Alzheimer's disease is not just "old-timers disease" and may affect people between 45 to 65 years of age.

These people are disadvantaged because not only do they lose their health, their jobs, but also often lose out on their ability to pay for treatment with Acetylecholinesterase inhibitors.
He points out that for people unfortunate enough to have a heart or other serious and deadly condition, a wide variety of medications, which also make no claim to cure the underlying condition, are often fully subsidised and readily available.

 "What concerns me is that I should be expected to treat some patients differently from others just because they have a dementia. Virtually every other Western country offers some support in terms of use of these medications".

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