Since being elected National President at our June AGM, time has flown by. At that meeting, members approved important changes to the way our National Board is selected. These will strengthen Grey Power’s governance as we continue to evolve, respond to the challenges of the 21st century, and stand up for older people across New Zealand.
I want to acknowledge the pivotal role of my predecessor, Gayle Chambers in this process, and I look forward to working with an engaged board and regional facilitators in the months ahead.
Recently, we have seen repeated media attacks on the entitlements of older New Zealanders, with loud claims that NZ Super must be scaled back because it is no longer affordable. That claim deserves much closer scrutiny, including in the light of the Triennial Report of the Retirement Commission.
In an election year, we must keep asking politicians where they stand on NZ Super and KiwiSaver, not just for today, but for the next 30 years.
Too often, commentators overlook the huge contribution people over 65 make to our country. New Zealand seniors give far more to the economy and their communities than the modest cost of one of the most efficient retirement income schemes in the OECD.
In 2025, volunteer hours contributed by people over 65 years added more than $20 billion to the New Zealand economy. Our rate of workforce participation is also double Australia’s.
Policies such as means testing NZ Super could drive many experienced workers out of the workforce, to the detriment of us all.
Recently, I attended the Health and Care Election Forum in South Auckland, where more than 1000 health care workers gathered to share concerns. Their stories about trying to deliver safe, compassionate care in an overstretched public health system were inspiring and deeply troubling.
Their dedication is extraordinary, but dedication alone cannot make up for underfunding, staff shortages, and unsafe pressure on workers and patients. Unfortunately, only two political parties attended the forum; two others withdrew just days beforehand.
Grey Power will continue to advocate for a better funded and better resourced public health system, including safe and sustainable staff-to-patient ratios.
All of this work depends on a strong membership base. Grey Power’s goals can be supported by anyone, at any age.
For those not already a member, please consider joining us. You may be retired, worried about ageing parents, or simply believe that older people deserve to live with dignity, security, and respect. Your active support, regardless of age, is needed and appreciated.
