Rachael Tukaki & Lyynda Bowman from the local DWI spoke about the travel requirements for overseas for superannuitants, also of the disability allowances that are available . It was emphasized that the disability allowance was not a hand out and that the elderly should take advantage of benefits of this scheme.

Lynda gave details of a pilot scheme that they have in the Upper Hutt where they have a host residing in a street to invite the elderly living in that street to a  meeting which DWI attend to answer questions and provide information. The DWI  supply the catering for such meetings. The scheme works well and it is hoped to expand the frequency which at present is not as high as wished. A bit like a Tupperware party with the sales pitch consisting of explanations and information.

On the evening of the Wednesday we were fortunate to have the Hon Lianne Dalziel as after dinner speaker. During her speech which was very well received, she announced that she as Minister was to put forward a bill which is presently being drafted, to cover Retirement Villages. She feels strongly about the current situation and as the Justice Minister has a lot of other bills in the queue, she obtained permission from the PM to present such a Bill.  The first time the Minister for Senior Citizens has been able to do this. The Minister spent more time answering questions than the speech which is indicative of her acceptance by those present.

Thursday started with not a debate but a presentation by the Hon Michael Cullen and the Rt Hon Jenny Shipley. Dr Cullen outlined the plans for the superannuation fund and talked of the necessity for intending superannuitants  to have some supplementary source of income if possible. Dr Cullen in response to a question did indicate that they hoped to legislate for a change to the Asset and Income testing regime during this term and that it would probably be along the lines of an income test only
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Mrs Shipley followed with her party's undertaking that they would do all things possible to come to some agreement over the present Superannuation scheme but if not, they would present a scheme of their own. She also indicated that her party was addressing the 'means and asset testing legislation.'
What was remarkable about this interchange of views was the affability of the two towards each other which seems to bode well for a future agreement to put these matters to rest once and for all. Both answered a variety of questions and the delegates gave a spontaneous round of applause when each left the theatre.

We then had the most unorthodox but entertaining speaker in Dan Dudson an ex burglar with several prison sentences behind him. He advocates that if we do not improve the educational system then we will continue to produce criminals in ever increasing numbers. The theory is that up to the third form the pupil has an individual teacher who will do her/his level best to bring the student up to speed . But in the secondary system where there are a number of teachers involved this does not happen to the same extent and there has to be some change, be it in boarding schools that the pupil is attending or some means of ensuring that parents fulfill their responsibility to their children. Questions were asked throughout his presentation and it was much enjoyed by all.

The afternoon started with an address by the Minister of Health the Hon. Annette King who spoke of the new District Health Boards being  established and covered a variety of health matters including capitation and privatisation, again with many questions from those present.

Our last speaker for the AGM was Phillip McCabe from Tower Insurance who spoke of Tower's involvement with Grey Power  and the benefit for all associations to be active with Tower.  He also announced that he was retiring which is a pity as he has been a very staunch supporter of Grey Power.   Associations can earn a tidy income from an involvement with Tower Insurance.

The guest for the formal dinner on the Thursday was the Rt Hon  Helen Clark who spoke of the government's achievements to date. The PM appeared to be so much at home at the meeting that she had no speech notes and spoke and answered frankly,  numerous questioners in a very relaxed manner much appreciated by her audience. She made the point that  her government had fulfilled the pledges outlined on the Labour Party pledge card distributed before the election.  The standing ovation accorded her  was indicative of her popularity and acceptance by the delegates.

The final morning saw the election of Officers which gave the following results.

President   John Jefferson  (with 75% of the vote)          Board Members. Dennis Paget
Vice Pres  Don Chapman                                                                Terry King
Chairman  Don Chapman                                                                  Frank Moloney
Treasurer  Liz    Renner                                                                    Terry Hawkey
Secretary  Jenny Herbert                                                                               Vi McCowatt
                                                                                                                                            Pam Purdon

Zone Directors    1 Dennis Scollick        5     Ruby Aberhart
                               2   Jill Jeffs                   6  Graham Stairmand
                               3   Bill Vickers            7   Dick Stark
                                4   Hal Weston

During the scrutiny and counting of the voting there was a general policy discussion which in itself was remarkable as this was the first time that this had occurred at an AGM. Arising from the speech of Dr Ron Baker who initiated the discussion with a comment that he apologized for opening up a can of worms, there was a good general,   profitable discussion resulting in resolutions to the Board requiring the Board to take some action and report back to the Associations. There was also a discussion on format for the future including an individual report from each portfolio holder to the AGM on the activities, progress and results over the previous year .

During the lively discussion  that followed the observations of Dr Ron Baker about the need to identify Grey Power's future role and any consequential implications, it was decided to incorporate part of a resolution prepared prior to conference by Zone 5 Director Ruby Aberhart.

General business on Friday morning also saw the introduction of 2 key resolutions that were both passed by the full conference, unanimously. They are;
That the incoming Board be required to elect a committee to review :

1 The Aims and Objectives of Grey Power.

2 The relationship of affiliated Associations to the Federation.

And recommend any structural, constitutional or functional changes needed as a consequence of 1 and 2, and report back to the associations by October 2001 with relevant recommendations.

That the incoming Board be required to adopt a conference format that includes a 'Session' devoted to Policy Formulation and Policy Implementation Strategies and  portfolio holders annual reports.
These resolutions were prepared by

Hal Weston         Zone 4 Director
Tom Slinn           Hutt City
Dr Ron Baker      Ashburton
Trevor Daniell     Kapiti Coast
Terry King          Board Member.

Another important remit carried was the abolition of the office of Chairman of the Board. This to take effect when duly notified and accepted by the Office of Incorporated Societies.

Final Comment. All in all a good AGM and possibly the most productive to date.