Rotorua Grey Power February 2016

Rotorua 

THE ACTIVE ORGANISATION FOR THOSE 50+ 

FEBRUARY 2016 

news 

Rotorua Golf Club 

A unique geothermal golfing experience 

This is one of New Zealand’s leading golf courses situated 

in picturesque Whakarewarewa geothermal valley in 

Rotorua. 

Rotorua Golf Club is a full 18 hole, par 70 course providing 

variety and challenge with many holes played over and 

around both dormant and active geothermal areas. 

Steaming hot pools, and bubbling mud as well as bunkers 

make up the unique golf hazards found at Rotorua Golf Club. 

• A unique geothermal golfing experience 

• 18 hole, par 70 all-weather links-style course 

• Fully equipped golf shop, a licenced restaurant 

and bar onsite 

• Centrally located close to many accommodation 

providers and iconic Rotorua attractions. 

40238 

Don Blackledge – Manager | 399 Fenton Street, Rotorua 3010 | +64 7 348 4051 | rotorua@golf.co.nz 

www.rotoruagolfclub.co.nz 

Rotorua Grey Power had 1916 members at January 31, 2016

Lake View Dental Laboratory Rotorua 

Flexible partial dentures 

Full dentures 

Denture repairs 

Metal and acrylic partial dentures 

Valplast partials 

We only use high quality materials and techniques to produce a natural lifelike 

denture that our patients will enjoy wearing for many years to come. 

Book in for a free consultation and quote with Mike. 

Mike Cusin, reg Clinical 

Dental Technician 

40344 

(07) 348 DENTURES (3483368) 

1180 Amohia Street, Rotorua, 

2 Rotorua greypower News – February 2016 

opposite Central Pharmacy

President’s letter 

Changes ahead for 

Rotorua Grey Power 

am sitting writing to 

I you on what is probably 

the hottest day we have 

had in many a year. The 

garden is struggling a bit 

and I think probably we 

are too. 

Hopefully you all had an 

enjoyable festive season and 

spent time with family and 

friends. It was great to see 

100 Grey Power members at 

our Christmas lunch held at 

the Sudima. The food was 

great and the company even 

better. the whole team did a 

superb job. 

Your committee has met 

and done its planning for 

the ensuing year so we 

are hoping to keep you informed 

both through the 

magazine and by more frequent 

forums. 

This year we have the Local 

Government election 

and meetings for candidates 

will be on the cards. Some of 

you will already know that 

my name has gone forward 

as a potential candidate in 

the Local Body elections. 

This brings me to the announcement 

that I will not 

be seeking re-election as 

president of Grey Power Rotorua 

at the AGM in May. 

I have served in this position 

for five years, and 

as I have always held the 

strong view that presidents 

shouldn’t serve any longer 

than that, in the interests of 

the organisation, my time 

has come. 

I have enjoyed the challenge 

of rebuilding a muchstrengthened 

Association 

with the help of a hardworking 

committee. 

When I took over as president 

I had three goals: 

• find an office to give us 

a permanent home to 

where members could 

visit. 

• increase the membership 

to 2000 

• re-write the Constitution. 

Goal Three we haven’t 

achieved simply because 

government is in the process 

of revamping the Incorporated 

Societies Act and is 

behind schedule. We have 

done some work on this and 

are well positioned once the 

Act is passed to bring our 

Rotorua constitution into 

this century. 

Grey Power and the people 

who are the members 

will always be at the forefront 

of my mind for I firmly 

believe what is good for 

seniors is good for everyone. 

Kind regards to all 

Rosemary mackenzie, 

President, Grey Power Rotorua 

Modern Caring Funeral Directors 

Caring Funeral 

Professionals 

As winners of the 2012 Westpac 

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providing the community with 

professional funeral care excellence. 

Creating a difference... 

Nothing is too much to ask - we go out of our way 

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By choosing Mountain View Funeral Services 

you can be assured of Qualified Caring Funeral 

Professionals. 

Erin MacDonald 

Erin MacDonald 

Managing Director 

Registered Funeral Director 

Mountain View Funeral Services 

1 Pukehangi Road, Rotorua • PO Box 461, Rotorua 3040 

Phone 07 350 1461 

email office@mvfs.co.nz web www.mvfs.co.nz 

For it is here we 

can grieve… 

Seek solace… 

And draw on our 

inner strength 

For the journey ahead 

– Ron Robson 

(Erin’s Dad) 

40171 

Rotorua greypower News – February 2016 3

New JP a Grey Power committee member 

In October 2015 Hui- 

Tzu Wu (Waitsu), from 

Taiwan and a Rotorua 

resident for 25 years was 

sworn in as a JP – the first 

Asian JP in Rotorua. 

The Grey Power committee 

congratulates Waitsu and 

acknowledges this role is an 

addition to her numerous 

community-focused commitments. 

Waitsu undertakes her JP 

function as part of the clinics 

at the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. 

But as well, by arrangement, 

Waitsu will offer the 

free JP service to Grey Power 

members either at the Grey 

Power office when she is on 

duty, or depending on circumstances, 

at the member’s 

home. The important thing 

is an appointment must be 

made. 

To do this, call the Grey 

Power Rotorua office 07 

3461739 [Tuesdays – Fridays 

between 10am – 2pm] pro- 

Sold! Sold! Sold! 

- Are you needing to change 

to a smaller home? 

- Are you wanting to discuss 

your options? 

- Are you looking for a senior 

experienced salesperson? 

Sue Baker AREINZ 

Residential Salesperson 

DON’T DELAY, 

CALL SUE TODAY! 

Units 2014 Sales 2013 

m: (0274) 304 900 

p: (07) 349 7783 

e: sue.baker@mcdowell.co.nz 


vide your name, membership 

number, address and phone 

number, and the committee 

member on duty will pass the 

information onto Waitsu. 

Waitsu will make contact 

with you to make arrangements. 

Justices of the Peace are 

able to: 

• Witness signatures on 

documents 

Australian, British and 

North American tourists 

are spending more time 

and money in Rotorua 

with local retailers, latest 

statistics out today show. 

And for the 13th consecutive 

month, Rotorua has seen 

double digit growth in visits 

by North Americans (US and 

Canadian visitors), the Rotorua 

Attractions and Activities 

Monitor statistics for November 

2015 reveal. 

The declining value of the 

New Zealand dollar combined 

with increased airline competition 

into New Zealand and 

the growing attractiveness of 

the destination is contributing 

to international visitors doing 

and spending more during 

their visit to Rotorua, said 

Destination Rotorua trade 

marketing manager Patrick 

Dault. 

“It’s fantastic to see strong 

demand from the US market 

even ahead of the new trans- 

Pacific flights announced last 

• Certify copies of documents 

• Complete declarations (including 

statutory declarations), 

affidavits or affirmations. 

Visitors spend more time 

and money in Rotorua 

year. Given the loyalty Americans 

have to their own airlines, 

we are expecting to see 

even stronger growth once 

the direct mainland USA to 

Auckland services by American 

Airlines and United commence 

mid-2016,” he said. 

Kiwi dollars are more affordable 

today than they were 

a year ago and while commercial 

accommodation nights 

continue to grow, couch surfing 

and staying with friends 

and family also continues to 

be a popular choice for some 

international visitor markets. 

Australians spent 214,000 

nights in the homes of their 

Rotorua friends and family 

during the year ending November 

2015, while British 

and North American visitors 

spent 63,000 and 45,000 

nights respectively. 

Rotorua Lakes Council Inner 

City Revitalisation portfolio 

lead Cr Karen Hunt said Rotorua’s 

vibrancy helped tourists 

spend their money.

Retirement Villages 

Independent living in Rotorua. 

The Gardens Retirement Village 

Great value for money! Units priced from 

$165,000 some with views and all day sun. 

The Gardens has an excellent community 

centre with a vibrant activities programme. 

This is the kind of place where you feel 

comfortable and among friends. 

Having an on-site care home gives residents 

peace of mind about the future knowing that 

should their needs change, their friends are 

just next door. 

Redwood Retirement Village 

Two bedroom villas available. 

Redwood is homely. We go out of our way 

to make sure that things are as our residents 

prefer – but we also take great care not to 

intrude. Our residents make the village their 

own, in their unique way and we invite you to 

do the same. 

Knowing the care home is next door allows 

our residents to feel relaxed about the future 

wherever it may lead. 

15 Hodgkins Street, Rotorua 

Call Jennie Arvidson on 

(07) 350 1036 or 027 218 0526 

429 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua 

Call Lyn Walker on 

(07) 345 3491 or 027 232 2639 

bupa.co.nz 


Retirement income from 

This is the second instalment 

of Grey Power 

Federation’s Superannuation 

& Taxation National 

Advisory Group’s discussion 

document presented 

by Lew Rohloff 

In all the paper has 24 

pages. For reasons of space, 

we have not printed the Historical 

Content section – the 

milestones in the development 

of New Zealand’s retirement 

income policy – the 

author’s notes or the three 

appendices. However the 

entire document is available 

on the Grey Power Federation’s 

website: www.greypower.co.nz 

choose the Discussoin 

Papers tab and then 

choose ‘clickhere.’ 

Jennifer Francis 

Secretary 

Grey Power 


A strategy to achieve our 

objectives 

The social environment we 

work within. 

What can we conclude 

from the environment we are 

working within? 

Our consideration of the 

developments in New Zealand’s 

retirement income 

policy which have occurred 

within the lifetime of existing 

retirees, leads to three clear 

indications: 

• that for the greater part 

of the last three decades 

the major political parties 

have indicated a concern 

that universal, non-means 

tested superannuation, 

sufficient to ensure older 

people enjoy ‘participation 

within their communities’ 

requires an unsustainable 

funding ‘ratio to gross domestic 

product.’ Both major 

parties exhibit consensus, 

therefore, in confining New 

Zealand Superannuation to 

a low ‘income replacement 

level’ supplemented by additional 

‘means–tested’ 

welfare support. 

• that in the recent establishment 

of the KiwiSaver 

scheme successive governments 

have acknowledged 

‘a need to support increased 

provision for retirement 

income’ toward achievement 

of the OECD ‘income 

replacement standard’ of 

eighty percent (80%) of 

pre-retirement income and, 

are selectively contributing 

to this ‘ private accumulation 

process’ by requiring 

significant employer contributions 

supplemented by 

state provision of an ‘establishment 

grant’ and annual 

taxation credits, and 

• that the major political parties 

nevertheless, are manifestly 

sensitive to perceived 

‘public opinion’ that the 

state should provide a basic 

‘income in retirement’ 

sufficient to avoid the impoverishment 

of individuals 

who have not accumulated 

sufficient funds to provide 

financial independence. 

In this environment it seems 

unrealistic to expect any government 

to increase the payment 

levels of New Zealand 

Superannuation ‘across the 

board’ without either removing 

its ‘universality’ (contrary 

to Grey policy) or, alternatively, 

reviving the taxation 

surcharge on ‘other incomes’ 

in force during the period 

1985 to 1998 (while opposition 

to this mechanism was 

the reason for Grey Power’s 

formation in 1986, our ‘evolutionary’ 

shift over later years 

to a philosophy of community 

wellbeing and welfare 

support, suggests that if any 

change should be implement- 

Continued on page 7 

Responsibility for MY 

safety starts with ME 

Revise the road rules 

and learn how to 

keep driving safely 

Thursday 25 February and 

Wednesday 20 April 2016 

9.30am – 2.30pm 

Parksyde Community Centre 

FREE 

ROAD 

SAFETY 

UPDATE 

for over 65’s 

Phone Reade Nikora at the Rotorua 

Lakes Council on 351 8140 to register 

or for more information 

6 Rotorua greypower News – February 2016

a Grey Power perspective 

From page 6 

ed to reduce the cost of retirement 

income policy, then 

this taxation surcharge might 

become our considered preference.) 

Through the period from 

the 1980s to the present day 

a pattern of political sensitivity 

toward older people seems 

evident in successive government 

initiatives to reduce the 

fiscal cost of superannuation; 

only to see such promised 

stringency rapidly withdrawn 

as a ‘damage control mechanism’ 

by a chastened incoming 

government.’ 

Equally apparent, is an aversion 

within ‘major political 

parties’ to the more classical 

affordability measure of progressive 

income tax regimes 

for middle and higher income 

earners’. 

Therefore, if governments’ 

maintain their reluctance to 

increase taxes on higher incomes 

and do not effectively 

‘close-down’ the widespread 

taxation avoidance practises 

of corporations and the selfemployed, 

it seems the only 

other ‘proposed solution’ to 

the problem of fiscal impact’ 

to have emerged to date, is 

the New Zealand First proposal 

for changes in entitlement 

criteria for New Zealand Superannuation 

‘adjusting payments 

directly proportionate 

to years of residence’ 

Peripheral advantages like 

‘reducing the loss of skilled 

workers to overseas economies’ 

and a just solution to 

the problematic treatment of 

‘overseas pensions,’ might 

also accrue from tighter residential 

qualification criteria 

for New Zealand Superannuation. 

Under the circumstances 

the New Zealand First proposal 

seems worthy of specific 

evaluation. 

Retirement income policy is 

a complex and politically sensitive 

subject. To emerge as a 

credible commentator on this 

major provision for the future 

wellbeing of our communities 

Grey Power needs to decide 

its priorities and formulate 

a strategy which will clearly 

indicate to a bemused public; 

just which ‘section of our 

communities’ we are working 

for. 

But Grey Power cannot succeed 

alone. 

Additionally, as their contribution 

to the principle of ‘social 

contract’ governments’ 

need to encourage each individual 

citizen to personally 

dedicate their working years 

to ‘continuing participation in 

the New Zealand economy.’ 

Policy needs to be redrawn 

toward the betterment of 

communities and the future 

security of that section of 

the population which presently 

has had little choice 

but to take advantage of the 

short term, personal benefit 

of employment in a foreign 

economy. 

In summary, therefore, Grey 

Power believes that New Zealand 

Superannuation in itself 

does not deserve to be the 

‘focus of concern’ related to 

fiscal sustainability. 

Rather, it is ‘the failure of 

the economy’ to provide full 

employment, adequate wages 

for low skilled workers, 

encouragement of family formation 

and the acquisition of 

a family home. 

In the present economy 

younger people encounter 

real difficulty in achieving 

these necessary ‘building 

blocks’ for stable communities 

and this is putting pressure 

on dependency ratios 

and disproportionate costs 

of ‘citizenship dividends’ like 

superannuation, health and 


Heat pumps make for healthy living 

More than 50 percent of 

Kiwis have noticed health 

improvements since installing 

their heat pumps 

A recent survey into New 

Zealanders’ heat pump habits, 

by consumer satisfaction 

company, Canstar Blue has 

revealed that more than 60 

percent of Aucklanders have 

noticed improvements in 

their health since installing a 

heat pump. 

Those under the age of 

30 are the most likely age 

group to have noticed they 

are healthier (59%) compared 

with those aged 70 

plus (47%). 

Do heat pumps help? 

Forty three percent of New 

Zealanders say that having a 

heat pump has reduced their 

power bills, especially those 

who are 70 years and over 

(58%), says Canstar New 

Zealand generalmManager, 

Jose George. 

“Men (49%) are also more 

likely than women (35%) to 

say that a heat pump has 

lent a helping hand with their 

power expenses.” 

Close to three quarters 

of Kiwis (74%) now believe 

that a heat pump is a must 

have in any house that they 

live in and a third have more 

than one heat pump in their 

home. 

These shoes or the lights? 

Kiwis under the age of 30 

are feeling the pinch when it 

comes to paying their electricity 

bill; 38 percent of the 

younger generation are having 

to reduce their spending 

on other items so they can 

pay their power bills, says 

Jose George. 

“So if you’re still struggling 

with your winter power bills, 

check out Canstar Blue’s latest 

electricity provider’s survey 

to make sure you’re getting 

the best deal. 

“From switching power 

companies, insulating your 

home, going solar or installing 

double glazing, there 

are a number of ways you 

can reduce your power bills; 

strategic use of heat pumps 

are just one tool in your billfighting 

toolbox.” 

Women (33%) are significantly 

more likely than men 

(26%) to have had to cut 

down on other purchases so 

they can ensure they have 

enough money to pay power 

bills. 

Aucklanders and those in 

Waikato are the most likely 

to sacrifice spending on other 

items (31%) whereas those 

in Bay of Plenty aren’t having 

the same troubles (21%). 

A large portion of Kiwis 

(42%) are anxious about 

opening their power bills, especially 

in the winter months. 

Cantabrians are the most 

likely of all the regions to feel 

a pang of anxiety when their 

bill arrives (44%) while Aucklanders 

and Wellingtonians 

are the least stressed about 

their power rates (41%). 

Heat pump technology 

A third of New Zealanders 

have more than one heat 

pump in their homes, and 

close to half of Cantabrians 

can claim multi-pump status 

(48%), says Mr George. 

“And those in Bay of 

Plenty are being tech-savvy 

with their heat pumps, with 

a third remotely activating 

their heat pump so that their 

homes are warm when they 

get back.” 

Close to half (47%) of New 

Zealanders are using the timing 

functionality on their 

pumps and men (51%) seem 

to be more likely to set it to 

come on at a specific time 

than women (41%). 

Bay of Plenty: Those in the 

Bay of Plenty are least likely 

to have had to reduce their 

spending on other items so 

they can pay their power bill 

(21%), least likely to say that 

a heat pump is now a must 

have in any house that they 

live in (61%), most likely to 

use their heat pumps timing 

functionality (58%) and least 

likely to have more than one 

heat pump in their home 

(21%). 


Seniors’ health and wellbeing . . . 

anyone for croquet? 

Judy O’Connell, 

Committee member 

Happy New Year to 

you all. 

I am the committee member 

with Grey Power Rotorua’s 

seniors’ health and 

welfare brief, so as we start 

into a new year, in each 

magazine I plan to suggest 

ideas for maintaining health 

and general wellbeing for 

the older person, and focus 

on at least one activity. 

Staying active is just as 

important as we get older 

(including if we have 

health conditions). 

Regular physical activity 

does improve your health 

and wellbeing, and makes 

it easier to perform daily 

tasks. 

Physical activity is any 

movement of the body that 

uses energy. 

CONTACT US 

GREY POWER, ROTORUA INC. 

OFFICE: 1333 Eruera Street, Rotorua 

(at rear of Age Concern premises, Ranolf St end of Eruera St) 

Phone: 07 346 1739 

Email: greypower.rotorua@gmail.com 

Office hours: 10am-2pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 

COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2015/16 

PRESIDENT 

Rosemary MacKenzie 

Phone: 07 349 0477 

All inquiries: contact Rosemary 

VICE PRESIDENT 

Russel Hallam 

Phone: 07 348 6034 

SECRETARY 

Jennifer Francis 

Phone: 07 349 3185 

TREASURER 

Michael Bell 

Phone: 07 347 8817 

CommITTEE 

Colin Burson 

Moy Eng 

Daniel Harris 

Wieland Hartwig 

Esther Johnson 

Yvonne Morehu 

Judy O’Connell 

Waitsu Wu 

Grey Power Rotorua Inc., PO Box 414, Rotorua 3040 

Your Grey Power Committee meets on the 3rd Monday monthly. 

Visit our website at: www.greypowerrotorua.org.nz 

Remember Grey Power when you change your 

contact details. Phone or email so we keep in touch. 


Try spending more time 

being physically active and 

less time sitting down. 

One such activity is the 

gentle sport of croquet - a 

fun game for all ages including 

those with low to 

moderate fitness. 

Some of the benefits are: 

1 Helps to keep you mobile. 

2. You’re out in the fresh 

This story is about an “Old 

Geezer”, which by definition 

(minimum age 85) is much, 

much older than we are. 

An old geezer became very 

bored in retirement and decided 

to open a medical clinic. 

He put a sign up outside that 

said: “Dr Geezer’s Cinic”. Get 

your treatment for $500. If 

not cured, get back $1000.” 

Doctor “Young”, who was 

air. 

3.Meeting and mixing with 

others. 

4. Making new friends and 

social contacts – all good 

for general wellbeing. 

The Rotorua Croquet Club 

meets every Saturday in the 

Government Gardens, in 

front of the Museum. 

Why not try a game, and 

Grey Power committee 

member Judy O’Connell 

was born and raised in 

I Rotorua. I attended Rotorua 

Girls’ High School and 

started my nursing training 

at Rotorua Public Hospital. 

I spent 27 years as a sales 

rep at Wattie’s Industries but 

returned to nursing for the latter 

part of my working life. 

Now retired, I joined Grey 

Power because I support what 

it stands for, and I’m happy to 

work as a Grey Power volunteer 

as my way of contributing 

to my community. 

have some fun? 

Members are willing to 

assist in the finer points 

of the game and coaching 

sessions will be held during 

the winter months. 

Come on and give it a go. 

Contact Evelyn on 07 

3322460 or Janet on 

07 349 1195. 

You can’t outsmart an old geezer 

positive this old geezer didn’t 

know beans about medicine, 

thought this would be a great 

opportunity to get $1000. So 

off he went to Dr Geezer’s 

Clinic. 

Dr Young: “Dr Geezer, I have 

lost all taste in my mouth. Can 

you please help me?” 

Dr Geezer: “Nurse, please 

bring medicine from box 22 

and put three drops in Dr 

Young’s mouth.” 

Dr Young: “Aaagh! -- This is 

gasoline!” 

Dr Geezer: “Congratulations! 

You’ve got your taste 

back. That will be $500.” 

Dr Young gets annoyed 

and goes back after a couple 

of days figuring to recover his 

money. 

Dr Young: “I have lost my 

memory, I cannot remember 

anything.” 

Dr Geezer: “Nurse, please 

bring medicine from box 22 

and put three drops in the patient’s 

mouth.” 

Dr Young: “Oh, no you don’t 

- that is gasoline!” 


You’ve got your memory 

back. That will be $500.” 

Dr Young (after having lost 

$1000) leaves angrily but 

comes back after several more 

days. 

Dr Young: “My eyesight has 

become weak - I can hardly see 

anything!” 

Dr Geezer:“Well, I don’t have 

any medicine for that so, here’s 

your $1000 back.” – giving 

him a $10 note. 

Dr Young:“But this is only 

$10!” 


You got your vision back! 

That will be $500.” 

Moral of the story: Just because 

you’re “young” doesn’t 

mean that you can outsmart an 

“old geezer”.

Citizens Advice Bureau Rotorua 

Not sure? Ask us! Our advice is free 

“ 

Not sure? Ask us!” is 

the catch phrase for 

the Rotorua Citizens’ Advice 

Bureau - a local community 

service where 65 

trained volunteer workers 

provide a wide range 

of free, confidential and 

impartial information or 

other help on any matter. 

A Bureau worker’s task 

may be to provide information 

on some relatively 

straightforward matter, or 

to listen at length to find 

out what the main problem 

is, and then assist the client 

in gaining access to the appropriate 

service for help. 

No problem is too big or 

too small. 

People come to the Bureau 

with questions about 

almost anything, from practical 

neighbourhood information 

to inquiries about 

the laws and policies of 

New Zealand, employment 

Looking forward to a very busy year 

From Hon Todd McClay 

MP for Rotorua 

2016 is well underway 

with the outlook for 

our region looking extremely 

positive. 

I hope you had a relaxing 

break over the Christmas and 

New Year period. It is good 

to be back on deck, and I’m 

looking forward to what 

promises to be another busy 

and productive year. 

The focus this year will continue 

to be on growing our local 

economy, supporting local 

families through better health 

outcomes, investing in education 

and more jobs and higher 

wages. 

The Bay of Plenty’s economy 

performed well last year. 

We saw consistently strong 

GDP growth, with figures 

consistently ahead of national 

averages. 

These positive figures were 

on the back of increased visitor 

numbers, strong results 

from key local industries such 

rights, consumer concerns 

through to contacts for local 

clubs, health services and 

community organisations. 

Our Cabnet database and 

the CAB website – www. 

cab.org.nz enable our volunteers 

to access a huge 

amount of local and national 

information, contacts 

for a myriad of clubs and 

organisations and legal information. 

In addition we have a 

huge range of pamphlets 

and fact sheets that clients 

can access when they visit 

the Bureau. 

As well as giving advice 

and information the Rotorua 

Bureau offers a whole range 

of other services. These include: 

• Specialist Beneficiary 

Advocacy – a team of 

trained volunteers can 

assist clients who, for 

whatever reason, have 

as horticulture and forestry, 

gains in the housing market, 

and more people choosing to 

make the Bay of Plenty their 

home. 

We also saw major investments 

in infrastructure to 

make businesses productive 

and more competitive. 

The $450 million Tauranga 

Eastern Link between Rotorua 

and the port was finished 

ahead of schedule, improvements 

to our internet network 

through Ultra-Fast Broadband 

and the Rural Broadband Initiative 

got underway, and millions 

was spent on improving 

the region to attract more 

tourists. 

A big focus for me will be on 

negotiating free trade agreements 

(FTAs) to make international 

trade fairer for New Zealand 

– after all our economy 

relies on selling high quality 

goods and services to the rest 

of the world. 

As a trading nation, any 

trade preferences through reduced 

duties and better access 

trouble communicating 

with Work and Income 

or who do not know 

what their entitlements 

are. 

• JP Clinics – on Mondays 

and Wednesdays between 

noon and 1.30pm 

– kindly supported by a 

team of local JPs. 

• Free legal service – by 

appointment two times 

each week – again supported 

by the local legal 

fraternity. 

• Information for new migrants 

to help them settle 

into the Kiwi way of 

life. 

• Trained volunteers who 

can provide specialist 

employment advice, tenancy 

advice and consumer 

advice. 

• Fortnightly immigration 

advice clinics – by appointment 

with a local 

immigration advisor. 

to overseas markets means 

more money in the pockets of 

New Zealanders. 

The Korean FTA, signed last 

year, is helping our region’s 

forestry and horticulture sectors 

and in early February we 

signed the Trans Pacific Partnership 

– New Zealand’s biggest 

ever free trade deal. 

TPP offers New Zealand access 

to 800 million consumers 

in 11 countries and $27 trillion 

of GDP each year. 

• A basic CV writing service. 

• A free telephone for local 

calls. 

• A fax service. 

• Assistance with filling in 

forms, writing letters etc. 

After more than 20 years 

in Community House, the 

Bureau moved February 19 

to new premises at 1143 

Eruera Street. 

We will be open for 

business on Monday, 

February 22 from 9am 

to 5.30pm. 

You can phone 0800 

367 222 or 348 3936, or 

email rotorua@cab.org. 

nz. 

Remember, our advice is 

free. 

Not getting it could cost 

you though. 

Our volunteers have all 

these pamphlets they can 

use to advise clients. 

This will be good for our 

region’s industries such as forestry, 

agriculture, education, 

and tourism. 

FTAs offer new and exciting 

opportunities to local businesses 

to expand and grow, 

creating more jobs and higher 

wages. 

2015 was a good year. 

It’s important we build on 

these successes and offer ongoing 

opportunity for the Bay 

of Plenty. 

p 07 348 5871 | e rotorua.mp@parliament.govt.nz 

a 1301 Amohau Street, Rotorua 

Funded by the Parliamentary Service 

and authorised by Todd McClay MP, 

1301 Amohau Street, Rotorua 

Advertorial 

HON TODD MCCLAY 

MP FOR ROTORUA 

Stop by my new electorate office for a chat 

www.national.org.nz 


KIA ORA 

BULA 

HELLOWORLD 

IS HERE 

CIAO 

ALOHA 

HOLA 

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Then it’s time we got to know each. We’re helloworld – nice to meet you. 

helloworld Rotorua 

1235 Tutanekai Street 

rotorua@helloworld.co.nz (07) 349 4130 


HELLO 

from helloworld Rotorua 

Your friendly professional team at Harvey World Travel Rotorua 

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and a true testament to this is the high percentage of repeat 

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between a good trip and the holiday of a lifetime! We pride 

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Our services to you: 

We provide a variety of services which set us apart from 

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• Dedicated, passionate travel professionals, 

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• Member of TAANZ and IATA (governing travel bodies), 

giving you confidence that your travel arrangements 

are protected 

• Pride in supporting the Rotorua community with 

events like the annual Supper Club (Ronald McDonald 

Charity event) Daily Post Home & Leisure event and 

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• Specialists in escorted tours from Rotorua back to 

Rotorua – tailor made holidays, providing a fun, hassle 

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see the World with helloworld Rotorua 


1235 Tutanekai St helloworld.co.nz (07) 349 4130 


Safeguard check for your home 

From Bruce Quedley 

Neighbourhood Support Rotorua 

Recently in the news has 

been the story about 

Cunxiu Tian, the woman 

who was murdered and 

sexually assaulted in her 

home in Te Atatu, Auckland. 

I don’t have any information 

about the specifics of the case 

except what is read and heard 

in the media, which described 

the terrible event as a burglary 

gone wrong. 

Stories such as these raise 

fears in the community, particularly 

those who are elderly 

or those living alone. 

To help make you feel more 

secure in your home it is best 

to follow basic security rules. 

Some involve costs, others 

have no cost at all. 

Do what you can afford. 

Above all don’t place yourself 

in a situation that leaves 

you open to be taken advantage 

of. 

Make sure doors, windows 

and other entry and exit points 

from your house have good 

quality, effective catches and 

locks - deadlocks if possible. 

Get into the habit of always 

using these locks. 

Always lock doors and windows 

at night, and also if 

you’re out in the garden or going 

out/away. 

Don’t leave a door key hidden 

outside - burglars know all 

the places to look. 

Keep garden sheds and garages 

secure and lock away 

tools and ladders. 

Have an alarm system professionally 

installed and consider 

having it monitored by a 

reputable security company. 

Install sensor lights on access 

paths or around main external 

doors. 

Install a ‘peep-hole’ in the 

front door so you know who’s 

visiting. 

Ask unannounced visitors 

who they are and what they 

want. If you’re not satisfied 

with their answer, don’t open 

the door to them. 

Trim trees or remove shrubbery 

which might ‘hide’ a burglar’s 

activities. 

Get to know your neigh- 

bours and develop plans to 

deal with problems or suspicious 

activity. Exchanging 

phone numbers or emergency 

contact details is a good 

start. Neighbourhood Support 

Groups do just that, join one or 

establish one. 

If you’re going away, neighbours 

can collect your mail or 

newspaper and make your 

place look occupied, for example 

by turning on lights, parking 

a vehicle in your driveway, 

hanging washing on your line 

or mowing lawns. 

Mark valuable property possibly 

with an invisible marker 

pen, record serial numbers and 

keep the list in a secure location, 

consider the free police 

on line database Operation 

Snap found at www.snap.org. 

nz 

Consider placing “Beware of 

Dog” signs on gates or fences; 

they can be a deterrent. 

If you have an answer 

phone, don’t record a message 

that suggests you’re out 

or alone. 

From Allan MacKenzie 

Grey Power member 

We were caught out recently 

with a flat battery. 

That meant a call to the 

AA. 

When the man arrived he 

told me the charger I keep 

in the garage would not 

charge this battery because 

it was lead-calcium, not 

lead-acid. 

Modern cars are now 

equipped with the former 

because of the increased 

need for power. 

These days all sorts of 

things pull power out of 

the battery, even though 

the primary purpose still 

remains that of turning the 

engine over to start the car. 

The trouble is this ‘parasite 

draw-off’ as it is known, 

soon pulls a battery down 

and what’s more, even your 


Police are always interested 

in suspicious activity. Don’t 

hesitate to call the police to report 

something out of the ordinary 

and, if you see a crime 

being committed, call 111. 

Above all, remember burglars 

like easy, tempting opportunities. 

DON’T overlook the obvious 

and DO all you can to reduce 

the risk of being burgled. 

If you, or someone you 

know has been burgled, it is 

best to take immediate action 

to improve the security of your 

home and reduce the risk of 

being burgled again. 

Sometimes burglars are brazen 

enough to knock on the 

door to see if you are home. 

When you answer they ask 

for a person who doesn’t live 

there. If no one answers they 

then check the house to gain 

easy access. 

If someone comes to your 

home and asks for a drink of 

water don’t let them in as this 

is a possible ruse to check your 

house out or steal valuables. 

SMART charger may be the 

answer to battery woes 

alternator does not fully recharge 

it. 

So when the voltage 

drops below a certain level 

you are looking at trouble 

when you least expect it. 

The solution is then to 

keep your battery fully 

charged, and the way to 

do this is to periodically put 

the battery on a SMART 

charger. 

Batteries suffer from 

what is called sulphation 

which is a sort of internal 

corrosion, and to keep this 

problem at bay you need 

to keep your battery fully 

charged. 

These smart chargers 

can be left on for days if 

not weeks, as they can 

tell when your battery has 

enough charge but won’t 

keep charging to damage 

point. 

I believe if you leave 

If you wish to give them a 

drink, close and lock the door, 

get the drink and then pass it 

to them outside. They may 

also ask to use your toilet, 

again be very wary. If you are 

unsure… don’t let them in. 

Many of you do have a charitable 

heart and wish to help 

people. But in today’s society 

we need to be very aware of 

the possible consequences of 

unscrupulous people who will 

try and take advantage of you. 

Never place yourself in such 

a situation. 

Only use reputable tradespeople 

to do work on your 

home as this again is a technique 

of the unscrupulous to 

gain access by asking if they 

can do any jobs. 

If you have any queries contact 

me on 07-349-9470 or by 

email to nsrotorua@clear.net. 

nz. 

I am based at Rotorua police 

station and if you go to the 

front counter I may be in and 

available to talk with you. Ask 

for Neighbourhood Support. 

your car behind when you 

are going away, the charger 

will keep the battery 

topped up. Then when you 

return your car will start 

and you won’t have to buy 

a new battery. 

Apparently, asking someone 

to run the motor for 

you is not enough. 

I am considering buying 

one of these SMART chargers 

to see if it saves on 

battery life. 

It could be very helpful, 

as we’ve found batteries 

can go without warning. 

Round town driving uses 

a lot of power but does not 

recharge your battery. 

So a SMART charger may 

become a necessity in the 

garage. 

A bit like a cellphone - always 

on the charger - another 

factor to make life 

interesting.


Positive start to New Year gives us strength 

As we start the New Year 

on a positive note with 

membership close to 2000, 

we need to use this collective 

strength to lobby and 

advocate for the rights of 

us all in the Third Age. 

Our planning for the year 

includes regular meetings with 

local Members of Parliament 

where we can promote Grey 

Power policy through to Central 

Government. 

At a local level we will meet 

with Rotorua Lakes Council 

mayor and councillors to promote 

Grey Power policy while 

also raising issues of interest 

and concern to members. 

While our association officers 

and committee members 

will represent Rotorua Grey 

Power at these meetings, there 

is a role for all members to play. 

Forums are planned throughout 

the year to provide information 

on the entitlements of 

senior citizens and opportunity 

for consultation on Govern- 

GREY POWER ROTORUA – 

2016 DATES TO NOTE 

The venue for all Grey Power activities in 2016 is the 

Bainbridge Centre, 187 Old Taupo Road, Rotorua. Topics 

and guest speakers are yet to be confirmed, and subject 

to availability, dates may be adjusted to meet speakers’ 

schedules. 

With Local Body elections scheduled for October 2016, Grey 

Power plans to host “meet the candidates” forums in late August/early 

September as voting gets underway in mid-September. 

Both mayoral and councillor candidates will be invited. 

The Grey Power Committee is considering holding its members’ 

lunch in early October in lieu of the December function. 

MONDAY, 16 MAY 

1.00 pm 

MONDAY, 25 JULY 

1.30 pm 

MONDAY, 29 AUGUST 

1.30 pm 

MONDAY, 12 SEPTEMBER 

1.30 pm 

MONDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 

1.30 pm 

MONDAY, 28 NOVEMBER 

1.30 pm 

ment policy and strategies. 

With the Local Body elections 

later in the year, we will provide 

forums for mayoral and council 

candidates to address our 

membership about their individual 

merits for the positions. 

So to support Grey Power you 

can: 

• Attend our forums - become 

informed and take 

advantage of any entitlements 

you may not have 

known about. 

• Make contact with local 

MPs and support Grey 

Power policies.v 

• Talk to the Rotorua Lakes 

Council mayor and councillors 

about local issues of 

concern. 

• Spread the word about 

the advantages of belonging 

to Grey Power among 

family and friends, including 

the effectiveness such a 

large lobby group can have. 

• Call into our office and 

discuss what’s important to 

GREY POWER ROTORUA 

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 

Followed by keynote speaker 

MEMBERS’ FORUM 


Local Body Elections “Meet the 

Candidates” 



Candidates” 



Candidates” 

One of the candidates’ forums will be reserved for mayoral candidates. 



you; share positive stories. 

• Become conversant with 

Grey Power policies. 

Maybe start the process for 

formulating new policy by 

putting forward an idea for 

a remit from our Rotorua 

Association, to the Grey 

Power Federation Annual 

meeting. 

To be effective we need to 

be active; we need to be seen. 

2000 constituents from our 

A jazz chord 

Stevie Wonder is playing 

his first gig in China and 

the place is packed to the 

rafters. 

In a bid to break the ice he asks 

if anyone has a request. 

One chap jumps out of his seat 

in the first row and shouts at 

the top of his voice: "Play a jazz 

chord ! Play a jazz chord!" 

Amazed that this guy knows 

about the jazz influences in 

Stevie's career, the blind impresario 

starts to play an E minor 

scale and then goes into a difficult 

jazz melody for about 10 

minutes. 

When he finishes the whole 

place goes wild. 

The chap jumps out of his seat 

The cost of Living 



Over the past seven years 

those of us who are on 

fixed incomes have borne 

the burden of ever-rising 

prices at a rate that has 

outstripped increases in 

our Superannuation. 

In that time inflation has 

been 11 percent. 

Food prices have risen 12 

percent. 

Household utilities, which 

are the essential items that 

must be paid for like electricity, 

insurance and rates have 

increased 25 percent. 

Healthcare costs, visits to 

doctors and dentists, have risen 

26 percent. 

For those of us who have to 

rent the cost of putting a roof 

over our heads has increased a 

whopping 38 percent. 

sector can be a strong voice in 

local politics. 

65,000 Grey Power members 

nationwide can be a powerful 

lobby group at Central 

Government level. 

Elsewhere in this magazine 

are the dates of our forums. 

Kia ora, kia kaha, kia 

manawanui 

russell hallam, 

Vice President, Grey Power Rotorua 

again and shouts - "No, no, 

play a jazz chord, play a jazz 

chord...". 

A bit cheesed off by this, Stevie, 

being the professional he is, 

dives straight in to a jazz improvisation 

with his band around 

the B flat minor chord and really 

tears the place apart. 

But, still the little Chinese man 

jumps up again and shouts: 

"No, no. Play a jazz chord, play 

a jazz chord!!!" 

Stevie is really peed off now 

and shouts to him from the 

stage … 

"OK smart ass, you get up here 

and do it"... 

The little bloke climbs onto the 

stage, takes hold of the mike 

and starts to sing............ 

"a jazz chord to say , I ruv you..." 

These are the real costs of 

living. 

The statistics are kept low as 

the weighted average of the 

basket of goodies by which the 

government measures these 

things also include the costs of 

cellphones and internet, computer 

games and software and 

airline tickets which have seen 

a drop over that time. 

Not too many superannuitants 

will be indulging in those 

expenses. 

So those of us who are feeling 

the pinch trying to make $1 

do the work of $2 are justified 

in our claims that increases in 

superannuation are artificially 

low and have been dissipated 

before they are even received. 

Thirtythree percent of the 

net average after tax wage calculation 

is no longer sufficient 

to maintain more than just an 

existence- certainly not a life.

Retirement income from a Grey Power perspective 

From page 7 

other welfare services. 

We know from our experience 

of the three decades following 

World War II (1940s) 

that given a healthy internal 

economy all these services are 

affordable and sustainable; 

consumption in itself, is a catalyst 

to increasing economic 

activity. 

Existing retirees, born before 

July 1, 1942, should have 

little to fear through to their 

demise if they have succeeded 

in accumulating significant 

savings for their retirement 

years provided the present 

model of New Zealand Superannuation 

is preserved along 

with a supporting social welfare 

system. 

However, the reality is that 

the introduction for younger 

people of additional ‘third tier’ 

retirement income through 

the KIwiSaver scheme has 

created age-related inequity 

among retirees of like employment 

and savings discipline. 

An increasing proportion of 

older people, born before the 

qualifying date for KiwiSaver, 

facing real hardship over the 

next ten to fifteen years will 

ADVERTISING 

need welfare PROOF assistance. 

But we really need to make 

it clear that in addition to advocating 

assistance for our 

own age cohort we exist to 

also promote the principle of 

similar opportunity for younger 

generations to that which 

we utilised during our working 

lives, to advance the social 

fabric of our nation. 

The challenge for Grey 

Power ‘advocacy’ is to retain 

New Zealand Superannuation 

with its existing relativity to 

average earnings and, as a 

service to our grandchildren 

and their dependants, to ensure 

the ultimate maturity of 

KiwiSaver is not a prelude to 

dismantling New Zealand Superannuation. 

Adopting a new strategy 

Achievement of our objectives 

or even making some 

progress toward incremental 

advancement of same, requires 

Grey Power, on a nation–wide 

basis, to adopt and 

maintain a strategic approach 

to advocacy which features a 

much more responsive media 

campaign, designed to 

encourage development of a 

sympathetic political environment. 

Advocacy alone will 

not achieve our objectives; 

real security will only exist 

where the ‘political environment’ 

demands it. 

Advocacy at government 

and political party level has 

been a long-standing Grey 

Power discipline which can 

claim some success as is evident 

in the apparent recognition 

by the major political 

parties of the sensitivity of retirement 

income policy. However, 

for nearly two decades 

there has resulted an overall 

inertia in the development 

CUSTOMER PARKSYDE OLDER PERSONS PUBLISHING 21/10/15 

SALES REP Jason Fox PUBLICATION ROTORUA REVIEW 

DESIGNER OUTSOURCER SECTION FEATURES 

PROOFED 16/10/2015 10:09:39 a.m. SIZE 14.8X10 

AD ID 6865636AH FAX 

PLEASE APPROVE THIS AD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. NOTE THAT ANY ALTERATIONS 

MUST BE FINALISED BY OUR MATERIAL DEADLINE. 

of enlightened retirement income 

policy. 

It is clear that in addition 

to continuing ‘advocacy’ we 

must engage with the various 

media and develop a strategy 

of outreach activity whereby 

our spokespeople contribute 

a Grey Power perspective to 

political party workshops, forums 

for higher learning, local 

government, voluntary community 

organisations, and 

the overarching structures of 

the churches and industrial 

unions. 

Albeit, the growing asset 

portfolio of the New Zealand 

Superannuation Fund 

and the successful launch 

of KiwiSaver as a ‘third tier’ 

contributory, retirement income 

supplement; are positive 

contributors to adequacy 

of future retirement income 

support for New Zealanders 

still engaged in the labour 

market. However, the need to 

‘provide certainty’ for those 

persons already retired and 

principally reliant on basic, 

‘first tier’ New Zealand Superannuation, 

is well overdue for 

resolution. 

Grey Power has an ‘as yet 

acknowledged’ part to play 

in both the existing debate 

on the features of New Zealand 

Superannuation and additionally, 

in contributing to 

academic debate related to 

future proofing retirement income 

policy. 

Perhaps, even more importantly, 

it has the opportunity 

to assume responsibility 

for the necessary elevation 

of retirement income issues 

to more prominence in the 

‘court of public opinion.’ A 

new commitment to Grey 

Power’s strategic participation 

in the public debate, as a catalyst 

to creation of a favourable 

political environment is, 

in effect, the desired object of 

publication of this review. 

The responsibility is not 

Grey Power’s alone. Indeed, 

restoration of the ‘social 

fabric’ of New Zealand communities 

is clearly dependent 

on major party adoption of 

a reform programme which 

establishes an economic environment 

conducive to full 

employment, higher incomes, 

family formation and home 

ownership as the necessary 

affordability precursors to in- 


Leave your loved ones fond memo 

Leave your loved 

..... not your funeral costs 

ones fond memories 

• NO fees 

•..... NO not minimum your deposit funeral 

• automatic bank payment available 

costs 

• open to persons of ALL denominations 

• NO 

For 

fees 

a brochure, Information Documen 

Application Form 

• NO minimum deposit 

please contact 

• Automatic the Catholic bank Development payment Fund (CDF) 

Ph availiable 0800 843 233 Email: cdf@cdh.org. 

• Open or visit to persons 51 Grey of Street, ALL Hamilton East 

denominations 

Deposits only accepted after completion of the Application For 

6865636AH 

Parksyde.....For the youthful +55 

www.parksyde.org.nz 

Meet with friends for lunch in our restaurant and 

enjoy any of the activities we have to offer: 

Dance Fitness • Bokwa Fitness • Tai Chi • Line Dancing • Zumba Gold • Cake Decorating 

Table Tennis • Indoor Bowls • Embroiderers • Housie • Travel Club • Card Making • Card Games • Mah Jong 

Parksyde 

Event Centre for the 55+ 

Our menu is posted on our website daily. 

Hours: 9am – 3pm | 9 Tarewa Place 

Ph: 348 9892 | www.parksyde.org.nz 

For a brochure, Information document, 

Application Form 

Please contact 

The Catholic Development Fund (CDF) 

Ph 0800 843 233 | Email: cdf@cdh.org.nz 

Or visit 51 Grey Street, Hamilton East 

Deposits only accepted after completion 

of the Application Form 

11595 


Let us simplify the 

rates rebate system 



Applying 

annually 

for the rates rebate 

is time consuming and 

for some older people, 

somewhat daunting. 

If the criterion for qualifying 

for the rebate was eligibility 

for the Community 

Services card this could be 

simplified by one application 

at the time of completing 

the relevant form 

at MSD either when applying 

for NZ Superannuation 

or for whatever reason the 

CSC is applicable. 

The rebate then could be 

applied by the local territorial 

authority annually with 

the first rates demand for 

the year. 

Simple. 

This system will then ensure 

ALL those who are 

eligible are receiving their 

entitlement. 

Integrated computer systems 

at IRD/ MSD will al- 

low those departments to 

alert the local authority if 

a ratepayer’s circumstances 

change. Alternatively an 

annual declaration could be 

made. 

This also frees up local 

government staff from the 

need to be available for appointments 

– a time and 

cost saving to us all. 

This suggestion was made 

initially to Rotorua MP, Todd 

McClay who undertook to 

approach the then Minister 

of Local Government, Paula 

Bennett. 

It would appear that Ministry 

officials are less than 

enthusiastic claiming it 

could not work. 

However Mr McClay feels 

that is being overly negative. 

Approaches from more 

than one elected representative 

may concentrate the 

minds. 

A similar system works 

extremely well in Perth, 

WA. 

Special Regional Council offer 

Free wood burner 

or heat pump 

To improve Rotorua’s urban air quality Bay of Plenty 

Regional Council is introducing some low-income support 

to assist homeowners to swap old wood burners 

for new heating appliances (a wood burner or a heat 

pump). 

This is a new, limited offer. 

If you meet the criteria below, you may be eligible for 

free replacement heating: 

• You are the legal owner of the house you live in 

(owner-occupier). 

• Your home is in the Rotorua urban area. 

• You have a combined annual household income or 

less than $50,000 (gross). 

• You have an old wood burner, you regularly use 

over winter, that you want to swap for a new heating 

appliance. 

• Agree to remove any other non-compliant appliances 

that burn wood or coal at the same time. 

Council will arrange everything for you – 

and it’s FREE. 

Contact: Marion Henton Phone 0800 884 881 

Extension 9245 or email me on 

marion.henton@boprc.govt.nz 

for more information. 

It’s that time again – 2016/17 subscriptions are due by April 1 

Enclosed with this magazine is a blue invoice for your Grey Power annual 

subscription through to March 31, 2017. 

Members who have recently joined will not receive an invoice for 2016/17. 

Subscriptions remain at $20 single, $30 a couple. 

Please consider making a donation to Grey Power Rotorua 

when you pay your subscription. 

If you are a Grey Power Electricity customer early renewal is vital so you continue to receive the benefit of 

discounted electricity/gas. Unfinancial Grey Power members at April 1, 2016 will be transferred to Pulse Energy’s 

regular retail pricing. As payments are processed, a 2016/17 Grey Power membership card will be posted to you, 

or if you pay at the Grey Power office, you will be given your new card. 

Please remember to bring the remittance advice section of your invoice with you so we can 

verify your membership number. 

Options for paying your 2016/17 subscription: 

• Use the subs renewal form on our website www.greypowerrotorua.org.nz and pay by internet 

banking. Use your Grey Power membership number as your reference and specify RENEWAL. 

Bank account details are on the website. 

• Send in your cheque with the remittance advice section of your invoice to: 

Grey Power Rotorua, P O Box 414, Rotorua 3040 

• Call into the Rotorua Grey Power office at 1333 Eruera Street, Rotorua Tuesdays- Fridays between 

10am – 2pm. [Bring the remittance advice section of your invoice with you.] 


LOST OR BROKEN YOUR DENTURES? 

0800 11 23 24 

ROTORUA 

10/100 Fairy Springs Road 



From page 15 

creased retirement income in 

lower quintile households. 

In the continuing existence 

of the present model of New 

Zealand Superannuation with 

a supporting social welfare 

system of targeted supplementary 

assistance in cases 

of real need, existing retirees 

really should have little to 

fear through to their demise. 

However, surviving members 

of the cohort born before 

1st July 1942 might well be 

significantly disadvantaged 

by direct comparison with 

younger retirees benefiting 

from additional ‘third tier’ retirement 

income through the 

KiwiSaver scheme. 

The challenge for Grey 

Power ‘advocacy’ is to retain 


with its existing relativity 

to average earnings and, as a 

16 MAISEY PLACE, FAIRY SPRINGS, ROTORUA 

PH 0800 762 355 OR 07 346 8007 

service to our grandchildren 

and their dependants, to ensure 

the ultimate maturity of 

KiwiSaver, is not a prelude to 

dismantling New Zealand Superannuation. 

Advocacy alone will not 

achieve this; such security 

will only prevail if the ‘political 

environment’ demands it. 

Clearly, we must better engage 

with the various forms 

of public media. In addition 

we need to find the resources 

to develop a strategy of outreach 

activity whereby our 

spokespeople contribute a 

Grey Power perspective to 

political party workshops, forums 

for higher learning, local 

government, voluntary community 

organisations, and 

the overarching structures of 

the churches and industrial 

unions. 

Should reference in our 

We offer discounts to Gold card & Seniors card holders, 

please contact us to discuss these. 

To make life easier for you we offer a pick up & drop off service along with 

a courtesy car should you require it. Please call to make an appointment 

on free phone 0800 762 355 or 07 346 8007. Rob & Tony Bell 

40012 

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We offer our 10% discount to Grey 

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Laser Electrical Rotorua 

49 Pururu Street 


PO Box 5025 

07 346 0506 

07 347 0732 

rotorua@laserelectrical.co.nz 


40445 

13205 

branding image to persons 

aged ‘fifty plus’ be altered to 

something more ‘age inclusive’? 

The overarching objective 

of the Superannuation and 

Taxation Advisory Group is to 

ensure ‘public perception’ of 

the work of our organisation 

is not ‘that we selfishly voice 

concern for older people 

without regard for the wellbeing 

of younger people within 

our communities.’ In fact our 

advocacy encompasses the 

entire spectrum of the social 

fabric of our nation. To ensure 

we avoid any future misconception 

perhaps we should alter 

the slogan included in our 

‘branding image’ to: 

“Grey Power New Zealand 

Federation: ‘working for a 

better retirement for younger 

New Zealanders’.” 

Conclusions 

(1) The importance of New 

Zealand Superannuation 

for future generations. 

Intergenerational equity of 

retirement income policy will 

be assured for younger people 

if we convince the wider 

public that: 

‘New Zealand Superannuation 

must be preserved for 

younger generations.’ 

Convincing the general 

public will not be achieved 

from a basis of advocacy confined 

to lobbying parliamentarians 

alone. A political environment 

has to be developed 

whereby politicians recognise 

widespread public opprobrium 

will result from any move 

to diminish the present value 

and coverage of New Zealand 

Superannuation. 

(2) New Zealand Superannuation 

is already ‘future 

proofed’ given a stable 

economy. 

In a buoyant economy 

the income support of older 

people will automatically improve 

in direct relationship to 

the living standard of younger 

people gainfully employed in 

the labour market, provided 


is preserved as a universal, 

non-contributory scheme 

indexed to prices and average 

earnings. 

(3) Grey Power support for 

‘community well-being’. 

In the life-time experience 

of present retirees the wellbeing 

of future generations, 

including their ability to meet 

the taxation necessary to 

maintain retirement income 

support at levels sufficient 

to ensure their older people 

continue participation in their 

communities, requires an 

economy conducive to early 

participation in the labour 

market, a living wage, commitment 

to family formation 

and owner-occupied housing. 

The existing ‘market economy’ 

has not demonstrated an 

ability to meet these expectations. 

In these circumstances Grey 

Power should publicly demonstrate 

its support for other 

organisations which utilise 

‘assertive action’ to restore 

the traditional ‘social welfare’ 

standards of New Zealand 

communities. 

(4) ‘KiwiSaver’… ‘decumulation’ 

unlikely to appeal 

to future retirees. 

In recent months members 

of the Financial Services 

Council have begun attempts 

to attract government funding 

assistance to introduce a 

range of ‘annuity products’ 

for the New Zealand market. 

The author’s personal opinion 

is that KiwiSaver account 

‘decumulation’ as a principle 

of ‘transition into retirement’ 

is unlikely to appeal to future 

retirees. In the first decade of 

life in retirement most present 

retirees regard ‘accumulated 

savings’ in the first instance 

as a ‘rainy day’ hedge against 

‘extraordinary future expenses’ 

and secondly, ‘a possible 

contribution to ‘bequeathed 

wealth’ in the second instance. 

They would rather 

employ learned techniques 

for ‘living within a reduced 

income’ than become captive 

to a life-style requiring immediate 

commitment of such accumulated 

resources. It seems 

unlikely, therefore, that an annuity 

product will find much 

support amongst future retirees 

in the ‘low to middle’ in- 

Continued on page 19


From page 18 

come quintiles. 

(5) ‘KiwiSaver’ is more 

akin to a private savings 

scheme. 

‘KiwiSaver’ is more akin 

to a ‘private savings scheme’ 

dedicated to retirement income 

supplementation. Only 


fulfils the role of ‘state-provided 

retirement income’ and it 

must not be subjected to future 

diminishment. 

This conclusion amounts to 

a ‘position statement’ in itself 

and should not require further 

elaboration. 

Dedicated savings plans like 

KiwiSaver require increasing 

and continuous income resources 

which only exist in a 

sustainable, ‘full employment’ 

economy. 

The instability of present 

internal economic settings, 

points to an absolute conviction 

that predictability and security 

of income in retirement, 

depends on the continuing 

existence of New Zealand Superannuation 

as the primary 

‘safety net’ for our nation’s 

working people. 

(6) Curtailing ‘taxation 

avoidance’ techniques. 

Containment of the ‘taxation 

avoidance’ technique 

of company, trusts, the selfemployed, 

and other taxefficient 

entities should be 

sufficient in itself to meet any 

possible increase in the ‘fiscal 

impact’ of retirement income 

policy. However, as an additional 

measure, early attention 

should also be given to 

evaluating the inherent potential 

of the ‘New Zealand 

Superannuation and Retirement 

(Pro Rata Entitlement) 

Amendment Bill’ through 

amendment to the ‘residential 

qualification for New Zealand 

Superannuation; to stabilise 

the deteriorating ‘dependency 

ratio’ arising from active 

immigration policy and, further 

to incentivise all citizens’ 

personal commitment to continuous 

participation in the 

New Zealand economy. 

(7) Inter-Agency dialogue 

and Media Commentary. 

Inter-Agency dialogue as a 

form of ‘outreach activity’ and 

Media Commentary are both 

fundamental to effective Grey 

Power advocacy programmes. 

We urgently need to Identify 

from amongst our membership, 

both at national and local 

levels, the individuals capable 

of reinforcing our existing 

contribution of a Grey Power 

perspective to ‘public debate,’ 

not only on Superannuation 

and Taxation but across all our 

‘advocacy portfolios’. Prioritising, 

our national ‘cost centres’ 

to fund such activity, might 

help this become a reality. 

It is also implicit that responsibility 

for ‘direction of 

outreach activity’ presently 

carried by the Chairperson of 

the National Advisory Groups 

is, in itself a heavy load. The 

incumbents already have their 

‘hands full’ monitoring public 

opinion, policy formation and 

establishing their credibility 

in the various national discussion 

groups and working 

parties. To make the responsibility 

less onerous, supportive 

responsibility for regional 

and community participation 

must be accepted by Zone 

Forum and Local Association 

leaders if our aspirations in 

this regard are to become a 

reality. 

Coordination of the internal 

distribution of relevant 

information or items of strategic 

overview like this particular 

document has to become 

the accepted ‘norm’ rather 

than a discontinuous phenomenon 

as it has sometimes 

been in the past. Effective use 

of research material, policy 

documents and other commentary 

on current issues by 

an organised network of local 

association spokespersons 

has potential to elevate Grey 

Power opinion to the forefront 

of public debate. 

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40037

Rotorua Grey Power February 2016

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