Rotorua Grey Power October 2017

President’s report -
2017 General Elections
The election is over. However, at the time of
writing, we are awaiting the final results of
coalition talks, to decide which parties will form
our Government for the next three year term.
RUSSELL HALLAM QSM
President, Grey Power Rotorua
With The Act Party
seemingly not in
Government, one policy
of Grey Power is still achievable
– retaining the age of eligibility
to receive NZ Superannuation at
65 years.
A coalition of Labour, the
Greens and NZ First Parties will
concur with our policy, while
National Party’s policy is for this
to rise to 67 years in 20 years.
Time enough for this policy to
change.
We must continue to strongly
lobby Government on the nationwide
housing crisis, particularly
for those in retirement and those
approaching this age.
Every week I am approached
by members who themselves, or
whose relatives or friends, are
faced with situations of unsuitable
housing. These situations
include having nowhere to live,
and so are forced to stay with
relatives or friends, sometimes in
unsafe, unhealthy, and unaffordable
housing.
Central and local governments
must address the growing demand
for the basic right of us all to have
a safe and healthy place in which
to live.
To make extra land available
and lessen the compliance requirements
for the development of new
sub-divisions, does not necessarily
address the real need, affordable
housing. ​Instead, these only meet
the need of providing new housing
for those moving to the district,
and those wishing to upgrade,
using their current housing asset.
Government has a responsibility
to ensure we all have access to
safe, healthy and affordable places
in which to live.
Increasing state housing stock,
positively supporting local councils
to provide residential housing,
promoting the concept of low
cost housing developments - all
of which could be in mixed housing
areas, are positive initiatives
to address the crisis our country
is in.
The incoming government
Russell Hallam
must recognise and address the
needs of our older residents, who
are not only the growing percentage
of our population, but also a
growing percentage of those in
critical need of suitable housing.
It is not acceptable for our mums
and dads and our grandparents to
be in this compromised position.
Though I’m preparing my article in October, I am mindful this is
our last magazine for 2017, and the trappings of the Christmas
holiday season are already emerging about us.
This is therefore a good time to thank Grey Power members
for your support during the year, and the Grey Power Rotorua
committee extends to you good wishes, good health and safe
driving over Christmas and the New Year holiday season.
To those who have tickets to the Grey Power early
Christmas lunch on Sunday, 5 November, your Grey Power
committee is looking forward to welcoming you.
Thinking about selling?
Want ?
- I can help to discuss your options
on selling or purchasing.
THANK YOU TO
OUR MEMBERS
We have had a great response to the request that
interested members may like to volunteer their
time to helping in our office. We have met with two
interested members and will be seeing one other
before our busy period begins.
If anyone else would like to come forward, having
seen what is involved in the previous newsletter,
and be part of the office team, please do not
hesitate to contact me
Sandra Greeks, Roster Coordinator.
- I am constantly exceeding my
Vendors expectation on their sold
price.
- I work for my Vendors.
Don’t Delay, Call Sue Today!
Sue Baker AREINZ
LICENSED SALESPERSON REAA 2008
Residential Sales
M: 027 430 4900
DDI: 07 349 8085
E: sue@rotoruaproperty.co.nz
Rotorua greypower News – November 2017 3