In November, just as we go to print, Grey Power Federation is gearing up for another round of advocacy visits to Parliament and other organisations in Wellington.
We are especially pleased to be meeting with Ministers and other party representatives who we have not visited since I took over the role of national president in 2024. Of course, we will also be seeing a number of regular ‘faces’ and hope they will be open to addressing our concerns.
The November visits will take place over three days with eight visits planned. During that time, we will meet with:
- The Minister for Housing and Transport, Chris Bishop
- Tangi Utikere, who holds the Transport portfolio for the Labour Party
- The Minister for Health, Simeon Brown
- Deputy Prime Minister and Associate Health Minister for PHARMAC, David Seymour
- The Minister for Housing, Tama Potaka
- The Minister for Seniors, Casey Costello
- The Minister for Energy, Simon Watts
- Spokesperson for ACC, Makiri Lee
- Matthew Kenning, NZ Post
We are fortunate to have access to this important line-up of government representatives and will cover issues such as inadequate senior housing, the heath system for aged care, driver licencing requirements for people aged 75 years and older and the ever-growing cost of living issues for those on a fixed income.
Grey Power vice-president, David Marshall wants to ensure that Ministers are aware that our most vulnerable renters, dependant on New Zealand Superannuation as their sole income, cannot live with dignity and in safety with an Accommodation Supplement maximum which has not increased since 2018.
“With the latest Grey Power national survey providing clear evidence of the inconsistency of delivery of domestic care around the country, we will be seeking a commitment to fix this system for those less able to manage in their own homes,” Mr Marshall says.
The Federation will report on the November visits in the February 2026 magazine.