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John Jefferson President
I am still hearing negative reactions to our last AGM.Some minor criticisms would indicate that those making them were at a different AGM. I have had positive feedback from a great number who enjoyed the AGM 2002.
The Christchurch hosts did a marvellous job in running the event and I would say that the minor criticisms received are really “sour grapes.”
The voting was fair and there was no mistaking the results even when using the Voting Sticks.
A clear majority either supported or rejected the particular remit or motion.
Some criticism was levelled of the final day's policy forum but, I learned after the close of the AGM that this change to a general business session was the will of the delegates.
We have a great organisation in 'Grey Power' and constant bickering from those people who disagree with the democratic vote being acceptable could see this organisation failing after doing a grand job. Even the politicians consider us a powerful group that can topple government's by its sheer numbers.
The National Government learnt this lesson in 1999.
Let us ensure we retain this
worthwhile organisation, lets get on with the job we are best at, looking after the
elderly.
Retirement Villages Portfolio Graham Stairmand
The Federation made a lengthy submission to the select committee - copies of the submission are available if required but it was sent to those Associations that expressed an interest at the AGM and were intending to make a submission themselves.Thanks to those Associations that supported the Federation and made their individual submissions.
We did appear before the committee but it was by video link from Chch to Wgton and not very satisfactory to the extent that while you could see all the committee members and they could see you ,it was not clear enough to see their facial expressions and body language.
We would not agree to a similar arrangement in the future. Nevertheless we believe that our submission has been well received and noted so can only hope for a favourable outcome.
It is our impression that the committee will put more weight of Association and resident submissions so we again thank those for participating.
Superannuation Portfolio. Frank Moloney
Rumours of an early election prompts Grey Power to ready it self to ensure the issues of importance to our members are voiced. The long-term level of NZ superannuation must be raised as an issue.There seems to be a covert agreement by the major parties to hold down the married couples rate at 65% of net average wages, whilst this level was breached by the previous government, it lasted only a short period of time before being raised to about 68% to meet the Labour Party pledge. Recent wage increases has hastened the level to drop towards the mystical
65% point thus placing NZ superannuation at its lowest level in recent times. Recent price spirals have put many single and married superannuitants under extreme pressure to benefit from a reasonable participation in and belonging to their community, this denial will become more apparent as time goes on unless the level is truly restored.
Your superannuation portfolio committee are currently taking positive steps to have the legislation setting superannuation entitlements at this low level challenged.
Dennis Scollick Zone 1 Director
Since the AGM a great deal of work has been done on the Remits Portfolio :-- 1. Integration of the successful 2002 AGM Remits and advices to Portfolio Holders.
- 2 New format of the Remits Register.
- 3 Check and re-check of the revised format and inclusions.
- 4 Article for general publication as required at AGM, noting the criticisms and suggesting counter measures.
We would like to know why we have such a low (almost non-existent) number of Maori and Pacific Islander members?
This is to be debated at our next Zone Meeting on the 6th of June in Dargaville.
An approach from the LTSA to conduct “Safe with Age” sessions for elderly drivers and pedestrians is receiving attention. Each session is two hours, two sessions per programme, which, with preparation and travelling could see big inroads in available time and costs.
…...……...and we are building up to the election !!
Energy Terry King Portfolio Holder
The May meeting of the Grey Power Federation Board confirmed the appointment of the following as the Energy Committee.- Terry King Chair,
- Don Chapman Auckland,
- Graham Stairmand Christchurch,
- David berry Wellington,
- Ian Taylor Hawera,
- John Noble Christchurch
- and Peter Rutledge Wellington.
The Committee
forwarded submissions on the 'Regulation of Electricity Lines Business' also
'The Viability of a Mandatory Electricity Hedge Market'.
Copies of the
submissions are available from Federation Office.
Zone 6 report . Graham Stairmand Director
The last zone meeting, in May ,was held at Kaiapoi hosted by North Canterbury.All Associations were present except Temuka.
Due to lack of support from members in forming a committee Geraldine had formally disbanded
Two of the Associations advised that they have made submissions on the Retirement
Villages Bill
The Associations then made their usual reports about activities and membership.
Following that there was a general discussion on the AGM held in Christchurch
particularly about the form and location of future AGMs
It was moved by Timaru and seconded by Ashburton that this zone meeting recommend to the Board that it looks at the siting of future AGMs and especially that they be located centrally - the suggestion being that Palmerston North and Christchurch should be the future venues.
Also that all remits should come from zones so that they are vetted properly by the zone members. Lost remits should not be represented before two years have elapsed and lastly that the session devoted to reports from portfolio holders be greatly expanded.
The resolution was carried unanimously.
Zone 5 Ruby Aberhart Zone Director
All Associations have held their AGM's. It is pleasing to report that attendance at meetings were up in numbers and that new people have been elected to committees.
Delegates from all Associations in Zone 5 were at the Federation AGM in Christchurch.
This reflects the strength and enthusiasm of Grey Power in this Zone. Open debate at meetings can,at times, be quite forceful,
(but that is good), it is not about individuals but about FACT.
Still, the main issues of concern appear to be Health, (mainly in the shortage of
GP area), Superannuation, Heavy Transport v Rail, ACC & etc.
Rising concern is also being expressed at the petty pre-election tactics of
some politicians and the feeling is, that the governance of the country comes
second to their own egos and aspirations.
I ask that all
Associations give their full support to this project and I have made arrangements
for all associations to receive a copy of the 'About Time' booklet.
Please note that anything that the government can invest money into and receive
$50 for every $1 spent must deserve the support of the whole country!
Dr Linda Scott, National Party has indicated they will support the project.
Hon Matt Robson says the govt is looking into a proposal to set up a fund to
enable reparations to be paid to victims when the offenders are unable to pay.
At election time as you know most MPs and Ministers are campaigning in their
electorates.
We have recently sent you copies of the Media Release from the Minister of Transport
on rule changes (Driver Licencing), also a copy of our Media Release on the same
subject especially those sections that we do not agree with nor accept.
We have since mailed out to all associations a copy of the Yellow draft of the
Land Transport (Driver Licencing) amendment rule 91001 / 2.
Information on this can be found in the Positive Ageing Status Report 2001 which
each Association received. (Refer to pages 50-57).
I would request that all Associations be involved over the next six weeks,
attending as many meetings with politicians as you are able, and at least,
try to arrange meetings in your area with political candidates.
MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT
Although your committee is familiar with the many superannuation considerations
voiced at earlier Grey Power forums it is most important all associations are
invited to identify any additional concerns worthy of inclusion and to prioritise
the issues which should be included.
My belief is that Grey Power should continue to pursue a solution to the long-term
problem of the inadequacy of N Z Superannuation entitlements of both single and
married couples. Your endorsement of this basic approach would be helpful.
Once our press releases are accurately formulated the committee proposes to employ
the services of a part-time professional press agent, on an hour-to-hour cost
arrangement to ensure the news worthiness of our concerns is highlighted right
through the campaigning period. The agent has the essential amenities to then
access all newspapers throughout New Zealand.
The early election requires your contributions to be in my hands without delay and
not later than Sunday, 30th June. My address for this purpose:
Postal 70a Highbury Drive, Levin.
With the announcement of the election occurring during the compilation of this
Bulletin it was decided to try and cover some points pertinent to our interests in
this issue. This has caused some items to be repeated or restated in different
articles. We indicated to the committee that the
separation of water charges from the basic rate content and the continuing increase
in rates in general had a significant impact on many of the older generation and
their ability to sustain a viable standard of living. Furthermore, I was able
to draw the committee's attention to the fact that assistance could no longer be
sought through the Rates Rebate Scheme, owing to the fact that the threshold is so
low that access for the older generation is impossible. I added that Grey Power
fully supported the move by the Hon M Gosche and Hon M Robson to introduce
legislation requiring Local Bodies to consult with their community before selling
pensioner housing and emphasizing we do not support proposed increases in
remuneration for Local Body Mayors and Councillors.
I pointed out that JPs had contributed some 23,200 volunteer hours last year in
court work alone, this was to the amazement of the committee. We came away
feeling that at least we had been listened to.
As far as budgets and legislation is concerned we are a
forgotten segment of the population. However it could be equally said of the other
parties that their interest in the elderly is minimal.
Superannuation.
There has been no details of how the fund is supposed to operate , who will control
it and be responsible for the investment philosophy. No alternate schemes
have been mooted. As for current recipients of NZS., the current government did
indeed make some restoration of the level of the New Zealand Superannuation which
was a fulfillment of an election promise as part of the credit card pledge. The
previous relationship of the minimum payment being 65% of the nett after tax
ordinary weekly wage for a married couple has been restored and the main opposition
party , National , has confirmed that they will maintain the 65% and the age of
entitlement as 65.
We however are still disadvantaged because at the same time as the floor was
lowered to 60% the basis of calculation of the average wage was changed so that
the average wage was reduced.
Drivers licences. However the 55-65
and 65-75 age groups will pay more while those over 75 will get some relief which
we accept as being reasonable but long overdue in rectifying. The current
stance is that the charge for the current ten year licence is a once only increase
but that remains to be proved as nothing is cast in concrete. The Minister
had admitted that Conditional Licences under the current regime are impossible to
get , but the time taken to propose the licensing changes is unacceptable. The
changes for the older driver do not help the country people who have to use a
100 km/hr road to go to the nearest village.. Also the charges for phone bookings
are an impertinence beyond belief.
The Minister does nothing to reprimand LTSA statements that the elderly would be
better off the roads so we must assume this statement has his tacit approval
Energy/Electricity Recent tenders for major multi plant users attracted offers all
around the 7c/kWH which tends to indicate that there is no competition and
retailers have all decided what prices are required and are not undercutting.
We were shocked to hear the Minister state that New Zealand has the lowest price
for electricity in the world and therefore despite all the recent increases we could
not expect any price decrease.. No justification was given for the statement about
electricity prices here and we suspect that an advantageous exchange rate was used.
Long term care -
We were promised legislation during the current term to provide for income testing
only but nothing has happened . Meanwhile the government continues to steal
from the
elderly $270 million per year.- no other segment of the population has to pay for
care.
But, you may have other concerns and
election time is an appropriate time to voice them. Let us know of them. Soon.
Above all, let your local politician know of them. There is a danger that the
elderly are being taken for granted or even worse, that their concerns do not
warrant consideration. Let's prove to the politicos just how much they have
misjudged the situation.. Become strident and vociferous in our Health Care
demands. We deserve better.
Grey Power NZ Federation Inc
Zone 7 Dick Stark Zone Director.
Since the AGM the Grey Power Associations in Zone 7 have been reasonably quiet.
Congratulations have been expressed by many of the Associations on a well run
AGM although concern is still being expressed over remits mainly in the areas of
the same people speaking to every remit also, the arrogant way some of the delegates
spoke to those remits.Law & Order Portfolio
Terry Hawkey
I have had further discussions with the Hon Matt Robson, Minister of Corrections
amongst which was the Governments 'About Time' Project.
The project is about early intervention to ensure that today's children do not
become tomorrow's
Criminals.
Hopefully, in future years New Zealanders will be able to walk
the streets unmolested and leave their houses unlocked.Health Portfolio Dennis Paget
Remits directed to this committee from the AGM have received attention but, not
our fault, resolution of some has not yet been achieved.
I have sought from the ministers office further details of
any changes in the BreastScreen mammography programme further to those circulated
to all associations last year. To date there has been no written acknowledgement.
Similar action and result to above.
This was already in progress by this committee and will be reported
on when concluded.
We do monitor costs and actions by Pharmac indeed, we are in constant
contact and believe we have established an excellent rapport with their executive.
We are not, yet, privy to their deliberations but, who knows ??
This is the subject of letters and verbal approaches to different
crown ministers. We are also seeking advice on the subject from the GPs' Assoc and
will approach the chemists guild.
We are very disappointed of the failure of the present administration
to enact promised legislation in this area of Means and Asset Testing..
Vehement action is being undertaken , as indeed it has been for some time, in our
endeavours to have this promise fulfilled. We suspect a public announcement
during the election campaign. STOP PRESS ELECTION 27TH JULY
FROM PRESIDENT JOHN
We intend to post out to all Associations Bi-Weekly Bulletins with information on
policies that are being negotiated by our Portfolio Holders.
The Board has been negotiating for a meeting with the Prime Minister and will be
meeting with her early in July and discussing the many problems facing the elderly
including the Health system, adequacy of the present Superannuation, Law & Order,
Older Driver debacle, increased cost of electricity and many other portfolio areas
in which our Board members are involved.
Please be involved, make a submission and post in, closing date August 2nd 2002.
We are in contact with the LTSA on a regular basis and have been meeting with the
Safety Manager Megan Beecroft re the Austroads Assessment Project.
The results from our recent discussions with Megan Beecroft have been fairly
positive and we will give you updates in the Bulletin as they come to hand.
If the Austroads Assessment is accepted then the testing of the majority of over
80 year olds would cease and only 'at risk' drivers would be tested.
Make the Grey
Power voice heard. Our future depends on our ability to effect beneficial changes
for our age group.
Emphasise to all the importance of exercising their right to vote.
DON'T LEAVE IT TO OTHERS
From Frank Moloney Superannuation Portfolio.
During last month's Federation board meeting the Superannuation Committee discussed
the implementation of an Election Strategy. The matter now becomes urgent in view
of the announced 27th July polling day.
Once your collective opinions on all superannuation issues are established our
focus will be directed to getting our message out to all political leaders. This
is traditionally a difficult process.
Fax: (06) 3679145
Email: fmoloney@xtra.co.nz
The Ed.
From Don Chapman Vice President.
The President and myself have recently attended two Parliament Select Committees'
and made the following submissions.
The attention of
the committee was directed to the matter of charges currently being made by
Metrowater for the supply of water and the removal of waste water, also charges
being introduced in the Huntly District.
It was pointed out to the committee that the Grey Power
organisation employed only 2 people and that the organisation depended on the
goodwill of volunteers and any change to the status of the volunteers would have a
serious effect throughout New Zealand as volunteers do an outstanding job and if
all withdrew their services, the country could well be brought to a halt. Views from Graham Stairmand.
We are somewhat disillusioned by our perception of the current attitude of the
government who seems to consider our support as a matter of course.
Apart from
the restoration of the benchmarks for superannuation, which had been decreased to
60% by National because, (they said), of the Asian crisis, to 65%, which gave us
an increase in New Zealand payments at the start of the term, the current government
has done little for us.
The Government has set aside money to assist in the
payment of superannuation for the baby-boomers coming on stream in about 2025.
This has been the subject of great procrastination
as it has taken two years to get the obvious age discrimination for licence fees
for the over 75 year olds but this only came about because the $29.50 set for the
10 year licences was inadequate to recover the costs involved.
The cost of electricity is a major concern to our
members yet the current government has done nothing but perpetuate the ill founded
reforms of the previous government. We agree that the current government did not
initiate these reforms but we want lower prices not a continual review by people
in favour of the reforms and not the plethora of excuses that we get for not
regulating.
The elderly who have to pay for long term care that
is given because of age discrimination to others free , pay $270 million per year .Health Portfolio Dennis Paget
The Health Committee will continue to plague the politicians for answers and actions
to our many concerns including some local items brought to our attention and the
Means & Asset Testing legislation
waiting lists, Alzheimer's Medication etc.
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