The Minister for Seniors, the Hon Casey Costello paid Grey Power a great honour by launching the Better Later Life Action Plan 2025–2028 in Blenheim, home to the Federation’s national president, Gayle Chambers.
Minister Costello’s choice of Blenheim was to acknowledge the “fine work” carried out by Grey Power Marlborough on behalf of seniors in the Marlborough region.
Afterwards, Mrs Chambers said: “Firstly, it was gratifying to learn that the Government had invested $28 billion for services to assist older people in our communities and I was impressed by aims to focus on cost of living services, housing services, health related services and more. These are all areas Grey Power has long advocated on at national level.”
The plan’s strong focus on health care services including in-home care, residential care and available hospital bed days, as well as by appropriate affordable housing and a close look at cost of living, were welcome, she said.
“It addresses a wide number of important factors, including more support and advice to help seniors access their Kiwi Saver accounts more easily so that in later life they can use their savings to ease any financial restraints during retirement.”
Mrs Chambers felt moves to help seniors become digitally capable by having robust training programmes in place would assist many.
“It was also pleasing to learn there would be better support for older people wanting to stay in, or re-enter the workforce.”
Without documenting every part of the plan, Mrs Chambers advised there were numerous areas to be applauded such as aims to address the need for a fairer standardised driving test for seniors over the age of 75 as well as encouragement for seniors to set up Wills and Enduring Powers of Attorney (see president’s address).
“All in all, this appears to be a well-structured action plan which should assist Kiwis as they age.
“Grey Power will watch the progress of each action and work with the Minister to ensure actions are achieved and that this doesn’t become another document which sits in a drawer.”
