Community

Among the many issues that concern older New Zealanders today – health, housing, aged care and more – BILL RAYNER from Grey Power North Shore, reminds us not to forget the preservation of our heritage. Grey Power has a vital role in ensuring the history and heritage of our country...

Aside from NZ Superannuation (or the Veteran’s Pension) and the Winter Energy Payment, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) can offer assistance for other needs. Here is an overview of some available support to those who meet the requirements of an income, and in most cases, asset test. Help with housing...

Growing up I was always taught what to keep, what could prove useful later and what should be tossed. Subsequently, I have been thrifty all my life and retain that old way of thinking like keeping brown paper and string as it’s sure to come in handy. Recently, my daughter bought...

When there’s work to be done about the house, more than a homeowner can handle, finding a competent tradesman is often foremost at mind. However, when scams and con men have become all too common, trusting strangers doesn’t always come easy. Recently, a Timaru Grey Power member outlined his mother’s...

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 74 years old, Allen Shearer is hanging up his boots – his big black boots as well as his scarlet coat and trousers which he has donned every year since 1978. However, talking to HELEN PERRY, this veteran Santa Claus and Grey Power member vows he’ll be back...

Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat Please put a penny in the old man’s hat If you haven’t got a penny, a ha-penny will do If you haven’t got a ha-penny then God bless you This lovely, old nursery rhyme, carried forward over generations by such artists as Bing Crosby,...

The immediate nationwide adoption of all-hazard sirens into the design principles of an integrated safety management system for New Zealand is deemed imperative by Grey Power Federation NZ. Grey Power national president, Gayle Chambers says such sirens are vital for the enhanced safety of all citizens but are particularly important...

Grey Power welcomes fresh government plans to overhaul New Zealand’s emergency management system. The Hon. Mark Mitchell (Minister for Emergency Management), recently outlined a long-term vision for strengthening disaster resilience and emergency management. A document, which builds on the 14 recommendations made in a damning inquiry into last year’s deadly weather...

Founder of the Death Without Debt movement, Fergus Wheeler, recently outlined to Parliament, suggested reforms to the country’s outdated burial, cremation and death registration laws and regulations. He has made similar presentations to some Grey Power associations so his message will be familiar to many members. In particular, Fergus noted that...

Police response to an attempted Hamilton home invasion which left a wheelchair-bound, cerebral palsy sufferer shaken and frightened has been labelled by Grey Power as “falling woefully short”. A recent New Zealand Herald report outlined the incident in which 74-year-old Toira Newman bravely squared up to a man who knocked...

September is Wills Month There’s something really reflective around planning for the end of life. There are the practical considerations of estate planning and there are personal considerations of the legacy you want to leave behind. Many people approach the end of their life reflective of their life experiences, their...