Grey Power asks why the Chief Ombudsman must retire at age 72

Grey Power notes from media reports that Peter Boshier is retiring from the position of Chief Ombudsman because government legislation dictates that this is what must happen when the incumbent in that position reaches the age of 72 years.

It is difficult to find out why this law still exists and Grey Power President, Jan Pentecost says that:

“Such a law appears to involve ageism which is pervasive in our society.

I would expect government legislation to support the Human Rights Act and New Zealand Bill of Rights as well as the WHO global campaign aimed at combatting ageism by eliminating individual and social attitudes, stereotypes, and behaviours towards people based on their age, as well as the laws, policies, and institutions that either perpetuate ageism or do little to stop it. (see http://www.who.int/bulletin/volumes/96/4/17-202424/en/)

In fact, leading Community Psychology Emeritus Professor John Raeburn describes the situation of ageism eloquently when he states that:

‘He’s sad about the way older people can be treated in New Zealand and … society frequently stereotypes them as “non-productive, second-class citizens, who suck money into their pockets through Super…

“They make up the highest number of suicides and can be thought of as a useless, disabled group – derelict creatures hanging from a Zimmer frame.”  (https://www.nzherald.co.nz/aucklander/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503378&objectid=11057232)

Come on New Zealand decision-makers change legislation that appears to perpetrate ageist attitudes as described above. You may be a senior now or you will be in the future!

Jan Pentecost
President
Grey Power NZ Federation Inc

(The web-thingee apologises humbly for taking so long to post this, particularly as he regularly moans about the Federation Board being slow to communicate.
But I did put it up as soon as I cleared my desk down as far as the reminder I left myself…)

Amplifying the voices of older people across Aotearoa New Zealand

The report ‘Amplifying the voices of older people across Aotearoa New Zealand’ released today by the Aged Care Commissioner Carolyn Cooper highlights the need for action to meet the ongoing health and disability needs of older people.
(Link to report at foot of this post.)

Carolyn says older people are enormously valuable in our communities.

“With quality, accessible health and disability care they can maintain their independence and dignity and contribute to their communities for longer.”

The Federation president, Jan Pentecost, said that:

“The Grey Power NZ Federation congratulates Carolyn on her report and strongly supports the Commissioner’s recommendations, most of which are Grey Power policy areas.

Grey Power passionately encourages the Government to urgently implement practical solutions to the issues highlighted that adversely affect the growing number of vulnerable older people in our communities.”

Jan Pentecost
President
Grey Power NZ Federation Inc

https://www.hdc.org.nz/our-work/aged-care-commissioner/amplifying-the-voices-of-older-people-in-aotearoa-new-zealand/

Renting in Retirement – a growing challenge for older people.

PRESS RELEASE – For immediate release- 5/12/2023

Renting in Retirement – a growing challenge for older people.

A growing number of retirees are facing the challenge of renting as they age. Suitable affordable properties are rare, and often only offer short term tenancies resulting in uncertainty and stress.

For those retirees with limited financial resources trying to survive on the single NZ Superannuation weekly payment of $477.52, rental payments can easily exceed 60% of their income. This leaves very little for energy, food, and other basics. Our older citizens deserve to live in dignity when they can no longer work, and for a growing number this is no longer the case in New Zealand

In Last Home Renters, director Vanessa Patea constructs a portrait of her 76-year-old father, a Māori fisherman. It is narrated through a series of intimate but understated interviews with Rodney, who is in a position an increasing number of us will face as the housing crisis continues. Watch Rodney’s story on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cpvc7XboCrg 

Better Later Life – He Oranga Kaumātua 2019 to 2034 strategy document, from the Office for Seniors, acknowledges that for some retirees NZS is no longer sufficient to live in dignity in retirement:-

“As our population continues to age and numbers of older people increase, central government will need to spend more on NZ Super and health care costs. We also expect to see increased numbers of financially vulnerable older people needing extra support, including housing support.”

Grey Power advocates strenuously on behalf of retirees struggling to meet their accommodation needs. Grey Power urges Government to increase the Accommodation Supplement asset level, and the maximum payments, which have not increased for 5 years, to provide urgent relief for our seniors in rental accommodation currently unable to live in dignity.

David Marshall
Vice President
Grey Power NZ Federation Inc
Email: national-vicepresident@greypower.co.nz
Office: PO Box 2721719, Papakura 2244
Office Phone: 09 299 2113
Office Email: fed-office@greypower.co.nz
Internet Site: www.greypower.co.nz

Consider opting to receive the Federation Magazine online, rather than by Post.

Memorandum:

From: Jan Pentecost, President

Date: 6/11/23

Subject:  Consider opting to receive the Federation Magazine online, rather than by Post.

The rising cost of postage and printing has dramatically impacted on the cost of producing and mailing the Federation quarterly magazines. This year postage alone has cost the Federation $134,419 for 3 issues – potentially around $180,000 for the year. With escalating postage costs the magazine postage now consumes over 60% of the capitation fees from the membership, leaving far less for Grey Power’s core business of advocating for older people.

For those members who are internet users, we would like to encourage you to consider receiving your Grey Power Federation magazine online. You will be advised by email when a new issue is available, but you can visit the site at any time in between to keep informed.

While not for everyone, there are several advantages for those who choose the online option –

• Quicker delivery of the magazine – the latest Federation magazine can be in your email inbox a week or more before the mailed copies arrive;
• Better for the environment – no wasted print, paper, plastic, or delivery-related impacts;
• Additional information and updates – once members are enrolled for the online version, they can opt to receive regular Grey Power Federation news updates and other information of interest;
• Savings to the Federation – meaning the four magazine issues per year can be continued, and savings can be invested in advocacy and membership services;
• More in-depth coverage – occasionally lengthy magazine stories and illustrations must be condensed to fit in the printed magazine. The digital version enables some content to be expanded upon and linked for reading on the magazine website for internet users who want more.

You can have a look online to see the smart format and layout of our magazine and test how easy it is to use Click here for Magazine.

You can switch to the online version simply by providing your name, membership number, and email address on the following form – CLICK HERE

Please encourage members in your Association to give the digital version a try. If they try it and decide it is not for them, they are free to go back to receiving the magazine in hard copy.

We will never require all of you to be on email; hard copies will always be available to members who, for whatever reason do not want a digital copy. The choice is yours.

Jan Pentecost
President
Grey Power NZ Federation

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Bwucie, your web-thingee/editor/Zone Director has been waiting for this option for a very long time, and has already jumped at the opportunity.

Those of you that are ex Mid North Greypower members will recall that step was taken with “Here is the Goss” from the first issue. Postage has been Greypower Federations across the country greatest cost for yonks: it just takes the Federation a bit longer to suck the lemon and get around to the obvious solution.

I totally congratulate the Federation for finally taking the step, and recommend as many members as possible to respond and choose electronic delivery.