Aims and Objectives
1. To advance, support and protect the welfare and well being of older people.
2. To affirm and protect that statutory right of every New Zealand resident, to a sufficient New Zealand Superannuation entitlement.
3. To strive for a provision of a quality Health Care to all New Zealand residents regardless of income and location.
4. To oppose all discriminatory and disadvantageous legislation affecting rights, security and dignity.
5. To be non aligned with any political party, and to present a strong united lobby to all Parliament and statutory Bodies on matters affecting New Zealanders.
6. To promote and establish links with kindred organizations.
7. To promote recognition of the wide-ranging services provided by senior citizens of New Zealand.
8. To gain recognition as an appropriate voice for all older New Zealanders.
Visual Personality of our Organization
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Strong and active but not militant
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Friendly and mature
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Acting with dignity and integrity
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Having the wisdom of age
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Adding to quality of life
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A positive organisation to be associated with
Achievements
Over the years Grey Power has had many terrific achievements.
Here are some of them:
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Removal of the Surtax
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Asset Testing Legislation being Phased Out
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Lower doctors’ Fees
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Lower Pharmacy Fees
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Removal Over 80’s Driving Tests
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Removal Simulated Driving Tests by Occupational Therapists
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Lower Tariff Electricity
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Superannuation Increased to 66% NATOTWW (net after tax ordinary time weekly wage)
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Rate Rebate Scheme revitalised and more recently extended to include retirement village residents
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Independent Superannuation & Income Centres
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Improved Regulations for Rest Homes
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Code of Practice for Rest Homes
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Abolition of Interest on Student Loans
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The National Superannuation Adjustment for the Tax Cuts in the 2008 Budget is a long awaited recognition by a major political party of the plight of the elderly reliant on NZ Superannuation
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Hearing aid subsidy increased
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Rates Rebate Scheme indexed to CPI. Amount now $580 (originally $500) and threshold now $23,240 (from 20,000 originally)
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Spot Audits for Rest Homes
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Retention of Graduating Doctors – (Student Loan)
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Lowering Electricity Increase for ETS
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Retention of SuperGold Card Off-Peak Travel
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Retention of SuperGold Card Waiheke Island Ferry Travel
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Increased funding for Gloucoma operations
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Annual clothing allowance for grandparents raising grandchildren (In conjunction with Grandparents raising Grandchildren)
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Winter Energy Payment
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Security doors on most Council owned pensioner flats
Committee members (biographies)
Dr/Prof Victor Luca (President): I am a product of Whakatāne having been born, raised and schooled here. After receiving a B.Sc., BSc.(hons) and PhD from Victoria University of Wellington in the eighties, I spent two years as a research associate at the University of Houston in Texas and six years as a researcher at top Australian Universities. From 1997 to 2009 I was a researcher and research leader at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization and then spent a decade at the Argentine Atomic Energy Commission where I was a research leader and university lecturer. I moved back to my home town at the beginning of 2019 and stood for Mayor and Councillor in September of 2019. I joined Grey Power because I was impressed by what the association has achieved. I am hopeful that I can help to make positive contributions going forward.
Peter Minten (Membership Secretary): Born in Holland and is now a New Zealand citizen. Peter is a process engineer and has worked at the Whakatane Mill Ltd. He has a Bachelors in Process Engineering from Amsterdam College for Marine Engineering. Ship power and Propulsion systems and a Masters in pulp & paper technology from HAN University for Applied Sciences and TU Darmstadt Paper Technology and Mechanical Process Engineering and a PhD. Peter has seven years of work experience in Commercial Marine and held several positions within the paper industry in The Netherlands and New Zealand where he has held Technology, Operational and Project Management Positions. He retired from a position as a papermill manager at Norske Skog Kawerau after 34 years. Current hobbies include Appita (Australasian pulp&paper industry technical association) New Zealand section vice chair and Appita magazine New Zealand features editor.
June Goodhew (Treasurer): I live at Coastlands and love my family. I have always enjoyed those who are under pressure, i.e. no employment, or are disadvantaged and not enjoying the life they deserve. Presently working for Christians Against Poverty Debt Centre, enjoyed 27 years as a Budget Advisor (mentor), and 13 years at the Salvation Army – Tutor/Management for Employment Plus. I believe I have something to give Grey Power Committee and know it has opportunities to make changes to the lives of our members.
Catrina Jones: A long time Whakatane resident who takes an interest in what is going on around her and has joined Grey Power Committee to do some good.