News

Please be aware that the article being circulated on-line about the Government’s plans to abolish state pensions is Fake News. The original news item is very alarming and appears to be on the NZ Herald website, by a Herald Journalist.

Hello, my name is Margaret Stefanitsis, and I am a doctoral candidate researching accessibility to public buildings (all buildings except homes) for people with mobility impairments. This includes those with a physical disability that affects the lower half of their bodies and normally need the assistance of (wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walker’s, canes, or crutches) to mobilise.

Now’s the perfect time to switch to Grey Power Electricity and enjoy fantastic benefits!

It appears that a significant number of pensioners and families in Northland are cancelling their insurance cover as premiums skyrocket according to a report from an article in the Northern Advocate. Northland’s Grey Power Board member , Russell Bird reports that Grey Power has been receiving more complaints, especially in the last 9 months, with many cancelling their cover. For those dependant on NZS as their sole income in retirement increases of the order of 25-40% are just not affordable and so cuts are necessary. Rather than being left without any protection those facing high increases are encouraged to get alternative quotes, and to consider raising their excess amount, rather than cancelling protection in these uncertain times.

Caroline Cooper, Aged Care Commissioner, brought a fresh approach and commitment to improving the way our more vulnerable seniors are treated in our struggling health service. Speaking at The Grey Power Federation AGM in late June, her passion for improving the situation for our most vulnerable seniors was refreshing.

Gayle Chambers was elected to great acclaim as the new Federation President at the recent AGM held in Wellington.

Couples on NZS had been promised $13 a week from tax cuts, but the budget delivered only $4.30, or just $2.15 a week for each retiree. While the Government is trying to reduce costs with significant cuts to the Public Service, it appears that the promise to put money into the pockets of working Kiwis does not apply to retired Kiwis no longer able to work.

The Retirement Commission’s Super Summit in March provided an opportunity for a range of views from the panellists on the purpose and future of NZS to be debated. Despite the differences there was a general acceptance that NZS is a robust, sustainable, and affordable way to support older New Zealanders to live in dignity and mana when they are no longer able to work. Any adjustments to the settings of NZS need to be carefully evaluated and implemented in a way that maintains confidence in the security of future generations.

Grey Power has been lobbying for a change to the inconsistent ways in which GPs are assessing Seniors for Driving Licence renewals around the country. Many seniors are facing stressful testing with cognitive tests that test their memory, rather than their driving ability. Medical experts have demonstrated that these tests are not good predictors of driving ability when forced on all those seeking a licence renewal at age 75, and the every 2 years from age 80.

Jan Pentecost QSM, has been a tireless advocate for seniors throughout her 14 years on the Federation Board. Recently Jan retired as President for family & health reasons. She will be sorely missed as a compassionate President of the organisation for the last 4 years, as well as for her commitment to thoroughly research major issues for supporting the Federation’s advocacy work throughout her 14 years on the Board.

A report released today by the Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn Cooper highlights the need for action to meet the ongoing health and disability needs of older people. She says older people are enormously valuable in our communities. “With quality, accessible health and disability care they can maintain their independence and dignity and contribute to their communities for longer.” Grey Power supports the Commissioner’s recommendations and encourages Government to urgently implement practical solutions to the issues highlighted that adversely affect the growing number of vulnerable older people in our communities.

With the average funeral in NZ costing $10,000, one man has made it his mission to advocate for simpler less expensive options. Fergus Wheeler formed Death without Debt to advocate for the right to an affordable and dignified funeral that doesn’t financially cripple the family. Read more