Advocacy is central to Grey Power’s objectives. Every meeting we hold with Ministers, officials and decision-makers is an opportunity to ensure the voices of older New Zealanders are heard where it matters most.
In July, Grey Power president: David Marshall, vice president, Graeme Peters and secretary, Margaret Sole, travelled to Wellington for meetings with Ministers, government agencies and Opposition MPs.
The programme covered everything from superannuation and housing to medicines, retirement policy and support for older New Zealanders.
One highlight was meeting Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon and Social Development and Employment Minister, Louise Upston. It was encouraging that both were well briefed on the issues Grey Power has been raising.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining New Zealand Super at age 65, with no plans for asset testing.
He also discussed initiatives such as financial literacy education and KiwiSaver reforms. Importantly, the Government expressed a genuine willingness to work alongside Grey Power.
Ministers requested further information on several issues, including the impact of current boarding and accommodation supplement policies, innovative housing models for seniors, and Grey Power’s Katikati downsizing housing pilot.
Margaret Sole (GP), David Marshall (GP), Keiran McAnulty (Labour).
It is encouraging when decision-makers ask for evidence and practical solutions rather than simply listening politely.
Housing was a recurring theme throughout most meetings. Whether speaking with Ministers, the Retirement Commission or Opposition MPs, there was widespread recognition that suitable, affordable housing for older people is becoming one of New Zealand’s biggest social challenges.
Barriers faced by older people when downsizing, including the lack of bridging finance from banks, and the shortage of smaller, accessible homes, were discussed.
Grey Power’s Katikati pilot attracted considerable interest as a practical example of community-led innovation which could potentially be replicated elsewhere.
Our meeting with Labour spokespersons Hon. Kieran McAnulty, Ingrid Leary and Hon Jan Tinetti, reinforced the importance of maintaining strong relationships across the political spectrum. The MPs showed considerable interest in the Katikati housing pilot, suggesting that if proved successful it could form the basis of a wider national programme.
Labour MPs also acknowledged the growing shortage of suitable housing for older New Zealanders and agreed that the accommodation supplement had not kept pace with rising housing costs. While they indicated there were no plans to raise the eligibility age for New Zealand Superannuation, or introduce means testing, they also acknowledged the significant fiscal challenges involved in developing new housing initiatives.
Access to medicines was another priority. Meetings with Pharmac highlighted the lengthy delays many New Zealanders face before new medicines become available despite being widely used overseas.
Pharmac also outlined work underway to improve communication with consumers and invited Grey Power members to make greater use of its dedicated enquiry service staffed by health professionals (0800 660 050).
The delegation also met with the Retirement Commissioner, David Boyle with discussions focused on the long-term sustainability of retirement income, financial literacy and future policy settings.
Although the significant demographic challenges facing New Zealand were acknowledged, there was also agreement that any future changes to retirement policy must be evidence-based, carefully planned and enjoy broad political support. The Commission offered to work with Grey Power on future research and member surveys.
Meetings with Minister for Seniors, Casey Costello and representatives from the Office for Seniors reinforced many of the same themes. She encouraged Grey Power to continue speaking loudly on behalf of New Zealander seniors, particularly where inconsistent services or regional inequities exist.
The visit concluded with meeting ACC Minister, Scott Simpson. Again community housing initiatives and broader issues affecting older New Zealanders were discussed.
These advocacy visits demonstrate the value of maintaining strong relationships across the political spectrum. Progress is rarely achieved through a single meeting. It comes from presenting evidence, proposing practical solutions and building trust over time.
Grey Power will continue to ensure the concerns of older New Zealanders are not only heard in Wellington but acted upon.
