A meeting between Grey Power delegates and Deputy Prime Minister, Winston Peters last month was a revelation.
Mr Peters quickly revealed he had researched issues Grey Power president, Gayle Chambers and myself had indicated would be raised with him. Pleasingly, his comments and questions were far from dismissive; they aimed at beating the odds to find successful solutions.
In particular, Mr Peters said he wanted to know the percentage of home support for older people by family members. As a result, Grey Power is prepared to do this research and report back to him.
Other issues discuss including:
- Concern that discounts available with the SuperGold Card have not been as plentiful as in the past.
- A request for removal of the $2.50 fee on invoices paid at NZ Post or Kiwibank. With the removal of cheques in New Zealand, and the fact that some people are unable to access internet banking, this fee is seen as an unfair penalty.
- Concern that the accommodation supplement had not been adjusted for some years to meet the current cost of living. It has fallen well behind current accommodation costs and Grey Power would like this anomaly addressed.
- The need to reconsider the threshold for rates rebates. With the current threshold close to a double pension, many people have become ineligible for a rebate, making it hard for those relying only on superannuation for income. Grey Power believes predicted rate increases countrywide will impact adversely on many citizens whereas a review of the threshold would most likely benefit those people in need.
- That consideration be given to the removal of tax on the first $10,000 of superannuation income or, alternatively a lowering of the tax rate on superannuation to help superannuants meet their living costs.
- Concern that the Aged Care Review was still in Phase 2 after six months with no updates to keep aged care Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) informed of review progress.
- Concern that long wait times for geriatric surgeries, including cataracts, has not been resolved with little evidence to show this issue has been properly addressed.
- Grey Power is hopeful Mr Peters will raise these concerns with the appropriate Ministers, and, importantly, we will see action not just words. In particular, we appealed for renewed commitment to the Aged Care Review launched in 2023 by Health NZ to review funding and service models for aged care services.
Its purpose is to provide recommendations that will ensure equity of access and outcomes for older people across New Zealand, while balancing the need for a cost-effective system.
Related: Grey Power goes to Parliament
