Grey Power September 2019

A lifestyle quarterly and official publication of Grey Power www.greypower.co.nz ISSUE 39: SEPTEMBER 2019 

Double dipping anomalies 

Grey Power Federation executive 

secretary and Advocacy Committee 

co-chair JAN PENTECOST reports on 

the long running battle to address 

those unfair anomalies. 

While the federation 

supports 

Government in 

initiatives to prevent “double 

dipping” with New Zealand 

superannuation and 

other foreign pensions, 

too many innocent people 

were being unintentionally 

penalised 

At present individuals 

who do not qualify for 

NZ superannuation (NZS) 

can receive a non-quali- 

fied partner (NQP) rate 

if their partner qualifies 

for NZS. However, in this 

situation NZS is income 

tested, which means that 

it is only advantageous if 

the household income is 

relatively low. Also, a couple 

which includes a NQP 

receives less NZS than a 

couple who both qualify. 

Some Grey Power 

members and others believe 

that only people who 

are 65 years old and over 

deserve their superannuation 

payments, and that 

no-one under that age 

should receive this income 

for any other reason. 

Therefore, it is likely they 

would concur with the 

recent unheralded policy 

change that removes the 

NQP benefit from July 

next year. 

I accept this as one view 

point and I hear, but do 

not agree with, Treasury’s 

pragmatic, i.e. economic 

reasons, for recommending 

to the government that 

this benefit be removed. 

But I would hope that 

from an empathetic perspective, 

vulnerable peoples’ 

well-being outweighs 

the economic advantages 

Flower power special - See page 38 

I was not 

surprised 

to read 

about harsh 

treatment 

by Work and 

Income staff 

because a 

Google search 

threw up many 

horrifying 

instances. 

Coming up: National Gardening Week in October (and be in to win our special Yates hamper competition), 

and Taranaki’s Fringe Garden Festival in November. See our coverage in this issue. Photo/A. Gould. 

Jan Pentecost 

and that the government 

replaces the NQP benefit 

- albeit it with a different 

name - on the same conditions 

as the NQP policy or 

at the very least increase 

the lead-in time to five 

years. 

It is reasonable to promote 

this expectation because 

Grey Power’s prime 

object is “to advance, 

support and protect the 

welfare and well-being of 

older persons in New Zealand”. 

Consequently, we 

must lobby on this issue 

because it will negatively 

affect the welfare and 

well-being of some of our 

fifty to sixty-five-year-old 

members. 

Without the NQP benefit, 

those affected, who 

may have been outside the 

workforce for many years, 

will need to find employment 

in an ageist society, 

while probably continuing 

to provide unpaid care 

for partners, parents or 

grandchildren. Or alternatively 

they may face the 

well-documented negative 

effects of dealing with the 

Ministry of Social Development 

(MSD) 

I was not surprised to 

read about harsh treatment 

by Work and Income 

staff because a Google 

search threw up many 

horrifying instances. In 

fact, the Welfare Expert 

Advisory Group’s report 

on our welfare system 

states: “Dignity and respect 

are missing. People 

want to see more compassion 

and empathy. They 

want those making decisions 

to understand their 

backgrounds, experiences 

and culture, current situation 

and constraints.” 

I was also not shocked 

to learn that older women 

are the most likely group 

to be affected by the removal 

of the NQP benefit. 

Currently of the approximately 

13,000 NQPs included 

in their partners’ 

NZS, 88 percent are women. 

That is about 11,500 

potentially vulnerable females. 

Roughly 60 percent 

of these are aged 60 to 64 

years; only 500 hundred 

are under 50 years. 

The regulatory impact 

assessment statement on 

Continued on page 4 

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Before you make a decision 

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2 

NZ GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » SEPTEMBER 2019 

Where community shapes the 

heart of your retirement 

A caring community is one where you are always welcome, where people 

notice your absence if you’ve been away. That’s the community Murray and 

Marion found at Logan Campbell Retirement Village in Auckland. 

For Murray and Marion, life at Logan 

Campbell has exceeded expectations. 

The couple were amazed at how 

quickly they settled into village life 

and got to know people. 

“We’ve found that if 

you’re away for a while, 

you’re missed!” 

The real icing on the cake has been 

their ability to continue their passion 

for travelling. They enjoy the freedom 

of heading away whenever they like. 

The beauty now is that they can lock 

up their apartment and go without any 

worries, then come home to the caring 

village community. 

“We’ve found that if you’re away for a 

while, you’re missed! People tell us, ‘we 

missed you, welcome back.’ That only 

comes when you get to know people, 

when you start building those bonds,” 

Marion says. “You can love your time 

away, but there’s something about 

coming back home,” Murray adds. 

Being connected to their family and 

church community outside the village 

completes that feeling. “It’s nice to be 

able to welcome people into your home. 

They love it and have no doubt that 

we’ve made the right move,” Murray 

happily explains. 

Ryman villages provide the setting 

where community spirit thrives. 

For more information or your free guide to living 

in one of our villages phone 0800 779 626 

rymanhealthcare.co.nz

NEW EDITOR ANNOUNCED 

The Grey Power Federation 

is pleased 

to note that David 

Porter has joined the team 

as editor of the Federation’s 

quarterly magazine. 

David takes over formally 

this issue from Lisa 

Potter, who has done an 

excellent job for the magazine, 

but is now forced 

through recent ill health 

issues to focus on other 

commitments. 

He has many decades 

experience in reporting, 

editing and communications, 

and is currently also 

editor of the monthly Bay 

of Plenty Business News. 

A fifth generation Kiwi, 

David spent more than 20 

years working overseas 

before relocating with 

his family to the Bay of 

Plenty a decade ago for 

HAVE YOU PAID 

YOUR 2019 

GREY POWER 

SUBSCRIPTION? 

lifestyle reasons. 

His career includes include 

serving as: 

• A special media advisor 

to the Rt. Hon Mike 

Moore during his term 

as Director General of 

the World Trade Organisation 

in Geneva. 

• A Spokesman for the 

World Health Organisation’s 

non-communicable 

diseases group 

in Geneva. 

• The Asia Communications 

Consultant to the 

four Asian offices of a 

leading NY-headquartered 

global law firm. 

He was first posted 

to Asia in the 1980s as 

the New Zealand Press 

Association’s Asia Staff 

Ccorrespondent based in 

Hong Kong. Subsequently 

he joined the editing 

staff of Asia’s then leading 

regional newsweekly the 

Far Eastern Economic Review. 

He was later Managing 

Editor of a HK weekly 

political magazine, and 

then of the region’s leading 

private equity publisher 

and events company. 

David says he is delighted 

to be working with 

Grey Power on its quarterly 

magazine. 

“I’m in Grey Power’s 

demographic and have 

personal experience of 

the physical and financial 

challenges that come with 

aging,” he says. 

“Getting older has also 

been in many ways the 

most rewarding period 

of my life. I’m looking 

forward to sharing in the 

journey of Grey Power 

Magazine readers.” 

If you have paid, thank you. If not, please pay 

promptly to your Association. 

If you remain un-financial, this will be the last 

magazine you will receive from Grey Power 

Federation. 

You will also not be entitled to receive any 

other benefits the Federation or your own 

Association may have on offer. Remember, you 

must be a financial Grey Power Association 

member to belong to Grey Power Electricity 

and receive cheaper electricity rates and any 

future additional benefits they may make 

available to members. 

NZ GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » SEPTEMBER 2019 3 

The Bay of Plenty Business Publications team 

David Porter 

Editor 

CONTACT INFORMATION 

PUBLISHER 

Alan Neben 

Mob: 021 733 536 

alan@bopbusinessnews.co.nz 

EDITOR 

David Porter 

Mob: 021 884 858 

david@bopbusinessnews.co.nz 

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Bay of Plenty Business Publications specialises 

in business publishing, advertising, design and 

print media services. 

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4 


PRESIDENT’S REPORT: 

Winter is well and truly upon us and 

it seems to have rained continuously 

for the last several weeks. I hope you 

are all looking after yourselves - and 

avoiding the normal winter coughs 

and colds. 

FROM MAC WELCH 

NATIONAL PRESIDENT GREY POWER NZ 

FEDERATION INC. 

The main topic of 

conversation over 

the weeks since the 

AGM has been around 

Kiwibank’s decision to 

withdraw cheques at very 

short notice. 

New Kiwibank CEO, 

Steve Jurkovich is adamant 

that this decision is 

irreversible, and this was 

reinforced at a meeting 

Roy Reid and I attended 

at Kiwibank’s Auckland 

headquarters on Tuesday, 

July 16. The meeting 

was arranged between 

Kiwibank/FINZ and several 

of the major charities 

in New Zealand, to 

discuss the impact that 

Kiwibank’s decision to 

discontinue cheques, will 

have on these organisations. 

Among those charities 

and organisations 

attending were the following: 

Eldernet, Forest 

& Bird, Arthritis Organisation, 

Leprosy Mission, 

Heart Foundation, St 

John, SPCA, Age Concern 

and Grey Power. 

Roy and I were about 

to leave the hotel for the 

airport after attending 

meetings in Auckland, 

including the GPE. Board 

meeting, when we received 

a call from Eleanor 

Bodger of Eldernet 

informing us the meeting 

was to begin within 

the hour. We made what 

turned out to be a worthwhile 

decision to attend. 

We were surprised at the 

impact the Kiwibank decision 

is going to have on 

the charity sector. The 

majority of their donations 

come to them by way 

of cheque. The charities 

explained in the meeting 

that, although they had 

attempted to get regular 

donors to donate by methods 

other than cheque, 

the donors expressed a 

reluctance to do so. 

Several suggestions 

were expressed about 

why this is so, although 

no one could provide any 

definitive answers. In 

short, all the participants 

Mac Welch, Grey Power national president. 

of the meeting apart from 

Kiwibank expressed the 

opinion that this decision 

would have a severe impact 

on their bottom line. 

They also expressed the 

view that the lead time 

given by Kiwibank was 

ridiculously too short and 

said there should have 

been at least two years’ 

advance warning given, a 

point of view which Grey 

Power agrees with. 

Kiwibank attendees 

at the meeting reiterated 

that the decision was irreversible 

and quoted that 

the cost of continuing to 

provide a cheque service 

would be un-sustainable. 

When I enquired what 

this cost, Kiwibank staff 

declined to disclose the 

figure. 

The impact of this decision 

on Grey Power and 

Associations will also be 

severe. As near as I can 

ascertain through discussions 

with Associations, 

between 30-40 percent of 

Association annual subscriptions 

are paid by way 

of cheque. Many of our elderly 

members do not and 

will not use telephone or 

internet banking. This will 

leave many associations 

and the aforementioned 

charities in the position of 

having to transfer at least 

part (if not all) their business 

to one of the big four 

Australian Banks. 

The dates and location 

of next year’s Annual General 

Meeting have been 

confirmed. The AGM will 

be held at the Commodore 

Hotel in Christchurch. 

The dates it will be held 

are Monday, 27, Tuesday 

28, Wednesday 29 of July, 

2020. More details will be 

sent to associations before 

Christmas 2019. 

I was recently advised 

of an association that is 

intending to make chang- 

Steve Jurkovich, Kiwibank CEO. 

es to its Constitution without 

any reference to Grey 

Power Board. Associations 

need to be reminded 

of their Contract of Observance, 

which they have all 

signed as a condition of 

membership of the Federation 

and the right to use 

the Grey Power name. An 

association cannot make 

any changes to its Constitution 

without having 

those changes first approved 

by the Grey Power 

Board, keeping in mind 

that Association Constitutions 

cannot be contradictory 

to Grey Power Federation 

Constitution. Once 

the Association membership 

at a properly constituted 

meeting as per their 

Association Rules, has 

approved the changes and 

they have been forwarded 

to, and approved by 

Grey Power Board, they 

can then be forwarded to 

Incorporated Societies 

to be registered. But not 

before. 

The continuing turnover 

of association officers 

and committees 

means that many associations 

are unaware of 

their responsibilities and 

commitment under their 

membership of Grey Power 

Federation. All new association 

officers should 

familiarise themselves 

with the Federation Constitution 

and the bylaws 

governing the Federation. 

Copies of these documents 

are available on 

request from Federation 

office. 

Finally, I urge all members 

to pay particular attention 

to Kevin Gardener’s 

report in this issue 

(page 49) on the meeting 

he and Mate Marinovich 

attended titled “Upcoming 

Cannabis Referendum 

Report.” It is obvious from 

the inter-action we have 

had with the Drug Foundation 

and the events that 

took place at this meeting 

that the Drug Foundation 

are strongly in favour of 

legalising recreational 

Cannabis. This contravenes 

Grey Power policy. 

Double dipping anomalies 

From page 1 

the likely effects of this 

policy change states that 

its benefits are cost savings 

of $13.05 million in 

2020/21, $90.86 million 

by 2023/24 and $237.57 

million by 2030/31. But 

despite the reasons given 

for changes such as 

streamlining of the superannuation 

process, less 

risk that people will be 

dissuaded from working, 

saving or investing up to 

the NZS eligibility age, and 

the cultural change which 

means nowadays both 

partners in most households 

are in paid work, 

for the women who will be 

affected the future looks 

bleak - especially because 

the lead-in time is so short. 

The NQP benefit will 

cease from 1 July next 

year even though a 2017 

document released by 

Treasury recommended a 

lead in-time of five years, 

as did the Retirement 

Commissioner. 

That is regardless of 

the fact that affected peo- 

ple will have virtually no 

time to prepare for the 

change. The document 

referred to above blithely 

points out these women 

can find their way into the 

workforce, they can apply 

for a work seeker or some 

other benefit at a lower 

rate than the NQP benefit 

or they can hope that 

their partners will share 

their income with them. 

But wasn’t one of the main 

reasons for the policy 

change to treat partners as 

individuals so they didn’t 

have to rely on the benevolence 

of a partner? 

Personal experience 

and much research has 

taught me that workplace 

ageist attitudes make it 

almost impossible for older 

people to find suitable 

employment. And for the 

government benefit scenario, 

loss of self-respect 

and dignity is likely because 

Work and Income 

can force older people 

to undergo frequent job 

search activities such as 

funding (out of a very low 

income) the cost of travelling 

to seek inappropriate 

or non-existent older persons’ 

work opportunities. 

As it happens, since 

the NQP policy announcement 

- which has been 

kept very quiet by the government 

- some very upset 

people have contacted me. 

…for the 

women who 

will be affected 

the future 

looks bleak 

- especially 

because the 

lead-in time is 

so short. 

Jean* was in tears as 

she explained that she 

and her husband had been 

planning carefully for their 

retirement for many years 

and the NQP benefit was 

to be part of this because 

work outside the home 

was not really a possibility 

for her when her husband 

retired. 

She tells me “that N… 

is an extremely competitive 

job market and due 

to my age, lack of any university 

qualifications and 

now… family constraints 

[she provides care for her 

grandson so her daughter, 

a solo Mum, can work 

to provide for herself and 

her son] I have found the 

job market impossible… 

My husband has been a 

manual worker since he 

left school … and his body 

will not allow him to work 

past 65… Lack of public 

consultation… and a mere 

12 months’ notice for such 

a drastic change … is hardly 

what you would expect 

from a well-being budget.” 

Jim* was very upset 

because he and several 

friends had worked most 

of their lives in hard manual 

jobs and he said that: 

“We are counting the 

days until we turn 65 

years old and can receive 

the pension; our bodies 

are knackered, but now 

we find out that our wives 

who are several years 

younger than us can’t get 

the non-qualified partner 

benefit and so we will have 

to stay working until they 

turn 65. We can’t live on 

a single pension and we 

thought we only had a year 

or so to work. Now that’s 

all changed.” 

When he applied for 

NZS recently Bill* was 

very shocked to discover 

that from next year the 

NQP benefit would be unavailable: 

He asked: “Has Grey 

Power dropped the ball 

or ignored the 50-65s? I 

have just applied for my 

National Super. To my 

surprise I was told that 

the ‘non-qualified partner’ 

provision would no longer 

be available from 2020. 

“As my wife is 10 years 

younger than me, we had 

intended to work a few 

more years and retire together. 

This now means 

my wife works till she’s 65 

and I’m 75 or we live on 

a single pension and our 

modest savings. 

“The Work and Income 

web site makes no mention 

of this, I have seen 

nothing from Grey Power 

about this change to the 

rules. I cannot understand 

how Grey Power has not 

picked this up and challenged 

the government.” 

Several of Grey Power’s 

relevant national advisory 

groups have researched 

this issue and after discussion 

at the recent Federation 

Board meeting we decided 

to recommend to the 

Wellington decision-makers 

that the lead-in time 

be extended to five years 

instead of implementing 

the change next year. 

The 50 Plus advisory 

group has also suggested 

that its NQP submission 

include: 

• Its policy to advocate 

for the provision of 

training for Work and 

Income case managers 

to address the specific 

needs of older work 

seekers 

• Working with other 

agencies to rescind 

the 2007 amendments 

to the Social Security 

Act 1964, which added 

work test sanctions 

for those 60 years and 

over. 

(*names have been changes 

for privacy reasons.)

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6 


Residential Care: 

what you need to know 

Under the Health and Disability Services (Safety) 

Act 2001, residential care homes (rest 

homes) are audited on a regular basis against 

the relevant service standards to ensure they provide 

safe and reasonable levels of service to consumers. 

While in general rest home services are provided 

to a good standard, occasionally it doesn’t go as well 

as expected. Raising concerns you have about the 

quality of care you or someone you know is receiving 

provides an opportunity for residential care providers 

to become aware of issues, find solutions and 

improve their care. It’s therefore critical that there’s 

an effective complaints system in place for residents, 

for families and whānau, and actually for the rest 

home providers themselves. 

In 2018 a collaborative piece of work involving 

the Ministry of Health (the Ministry), the Office of 

the Health and Disability Commissioner, the Health 

Quality and Safety Commission (HQSC), DHBs, providers 

and consumers was undertaken to strengthen 

the complaints framework in aged residential care. 

As a result, in June 2019 the Ministry published 

a new residential complaints information section on 

the Ministry’s website. It contains information and 

new resources to help residents, families/ whānau, 

and providers with complaints management. 

Anyone can make a complaint about rest home 

care in New Zealand by discussing issues directly 

with a service provider. Most complaints can be 

addressed quickly by discussing the issue with your 

service provider. 

If you don’t feel able to do this directly, the Nationwide 

Health and Disability Advocacy Service 

(Advocacy Service) offers free advocacy support to 

anyone receiving residential care. You can also contact 

your local health of older persons DHB Portfolio 

Manager, Healthcert or the Health and Disability 

Commissioner (HDC) who can assist with the management 

of your complaint. 

You can find more information about what to do if 

you have concerns or would like to make a complaint 

on the Ministry’s website: https://www.health.govt. 

nz/residential-care-complaints. 

Uncertain future 

for pensioner housing 

Pensioner housing is one of the top issues in the lead 

up to the local body elections. Zone Five director 

KEVIN GARDENER is concerned about the possible 

consequences of an impending Tasman District Council 

review of its pensioner housing. 

Housing for low 

income people 

has been local 

body business for about 

60 years, starting in 1938 

with the Christchurch City 

Council, the first to erect 

purpose-built rental housing 

for pensioners. 

Nelson City Council 

provided public housing 

during S.I. Russell’s tenure 

as Mayor (1958 to 1962), 

and by 1977, the council 

owned 99 units. In Tasman 

Council, flats were 

built in Bird Street in 1985, 

later followed by Maling 

Cottages and Aotea Place 

units. Nelson City Council 

currently has 142 units at 

nine different sites, while 

Tasman District Council 

has 101 units at six 

different sites. 

Inability to access the 

Government Income Related 

Rental Subsidy is often 

given by councils as the 

main reason for seeking to 

exit ownership of its pensioner 

housing. The rental 

subsidy is the difference 

between the calculated 

IRR for a client’s household 

and the approved 

market rent for the vacancy. 

The IRRS is the portion 

paid to the housing provider 

by the Ministry of Social 

Development. 

To be eligible for the 

subsidy, the pensioner 

tenant must have income 

under the income threshold, 

which is 1.5 times the 

living alone rate of New 

Zealand Superannuation 

for sole persons. These 

households may include 

other people or boarders, 

or 1.5 times the rate of 

married NZ Superannuation 

for all other household 

composition types, 

and have assets valued 

under the asset threshold. 

This is currently 10 percent 

of the national average 

house sales priced 

Kevin Gardener 

indexed annually. 

About a quarter of older 

people living in council 

housing are members of 

Grey Power and Nelson 

Grey Power has raised its 

concerns with both Councils 

about protection of 

present and future tenants 

if this housing is divested 

or sold to the private or 

charitable sector. 

Tasman District Council’s 

proposed review is 

raising concerns. Pensioners 

seeking subsidised 

housing for the first 

time are to be placed on a 

Ministry of Development 

list, with a smaller list being 

given to the housing 

provider with a vacancy 

to choose a tenant from. 

There is potential for older 

people to be given less 

priority than others seeking 

subsidised housing. A 

number of council housing 

tenants have indicated 

they feel insecure and vulnerable 

to eviction. 

Tasman District Council 

currently charges pensioner 

tenants 80 percent 

of market value and is 

making a profit of around 

$114,000 pa, which goes 

into funding council reserves 

and facilities. Nelson 

City Council charges 

around 50 percent of market 

value and requires a 

ratepayer subsidy of $8 

per rated property a year. 

Nelson City Council has 

estimated that its units 

will require $20 million 

in maintenance over the 

next 20-25 years. This and 

the need to meet Healthy 

Homes legislation, appears 

to be one of the key 

motivations for selling. 

Clearly two local councils 

have taken a very different 

approach to management 

of their housing 

assets and the uncertainty 

for pensioner tenants 

around sale of their homes 

continues to be stressful. 

Nelson Grey Power continues 

to push for adequate 

protection for them. 

Choosing a residential care home? 

Find out how well your local residential care service meets 

Ministry of Health Standards: 

www.health.govt.nz/audits 

Unhappy about your residential care service? 

Find out ways to raise your concerns or make a complaint: 

www.health.govt.nz/residential-care-complaints 

200644AA

XTR-Vision Lutein 20mg, Zeaxanthin 10mg 

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ICONS OF AUSTRALIA PACKAGE HOLIDAYS FOR THE OVER 50’S 

10 Day Heron Island Haven & 

Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness 

SAVE 

$200** 

per couple 

MAY 

DEPARTURE 

Choose 

‘Diamond’ or 

‘Gold Class’ 

travel 

• Opulent ‘Diamond Class’ or luxury ‘Gold Class’ coach 

touring from Brisbane 

• Overnight in Roma with a visit to the Saleyards 

at auction with local grazier guide 

• 3 nights at Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge 

• Daily naturalist guided walks & scenic helicopter flight 

at Carnarvon Gorge 

• Greycliffe Homestead at Biloela 

• Overnight stay in Gladstone with city tour 

• 2 nights on Heron Island Resort with daily naturalist 

eco tours and reef walks 

• Unique LARC! 4WD Tour to Bustard Head 

• 2 nights in the Town of 1770 

• Childers 

• 28 meals 

DEPARTS > DIAMOND 20 MAY 2020 | GOLD 17 JUN 2020 

Per person 

twin share FROM $4200* 

14 Day 

The Ghan & Red Centre Sensation 

SAVE 

$400** 

per couple 

MAY 

DEPARTURE 

10 Day 

The Ghan Rock ‘N Rail 

SAVE 

$400** 

per couple 

MAY 

DEPARTURE 

• 2 nights in Adelaide & Darwin 

• 3 nights 5 star Ayers Rock 

• 3 nights in Alice Springs 

• 2 nights in Gold Service on The Ghan 

from Adelaide to Alice Springs & 

from Alice Springs to Darwin 

• Sounds of Silence specialty dinner 

• 25-minute helicopter tour of 

Uluru and Kata Tjuta area 

• Litchfield National Park 

• Darwin Harbour sunset seafood dinner 

• Economy class flight to Adelaide and 

from Darwin ex Brisbane, Sydney or 

Melbourne 

• 38 meals 

• 2 nights Adelaide (5 star) & 

3 nights at Ayers Rock (5 star) 

• Barossa Valley, Hahndorf Village, 

Maggie Beer Farm Shop & Adelaide 

city sights tour 

• 1 night The Ghan in Gold Service from 

Adelaide to Alice Springs 

• Marla sunrise experience 

• 3 nights Alice Springs 

• West MacDonnell Ranges 

• Uluru sunrise & Field of Light 

• Sounds of Silence specialty dinner 

• 25-minute helicopter tour of Uluru area 

• Economy class flights to Adelaide & 

from Ayers Rock ex Brisbane, Sydney 

or Melbourne 

• 26 meals 

DEPARTS > 

15 MAY | 22 JUN 2020 

Per person 


DEPARTS > 

8 MAY | 5 JUNE 2020 

Per person 


9 Day 

South West Wanderer with 

Heroes of Longreach & Winton 

SAVE 

$300** 

per couple 

APRIL 

DEPARTURE 

SAVE 

$300** 

per couple 

MAY 

DEPARTURE 

13 Day 

Darwin, Kakadu, The Kimberley & Broome 

• Luxury ‘Gold Class’ or opulent 

‘Diamond Class’ coach travel 

• 1 night Roma 

• 2 nights Charleville 

• 4 nights Longreach 

• Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Outback 

Stockman’s live show 

• Qantas Founders Museum & jet tour 

• Drover’s sunset cruise on the 

Thomson River 

• Australian Age of Dinosaurs tour 

at Winton 

• Overnight rail journey aboard 

the Spirit of the Outback 

• 24 meals 

• Economy class flights to Darwin & 

from Broome ex Brisbane, Sydney, 

Melbourne or Adelaide 

• 1 night 5 star Darwin 

• 2 nights Kakadu, Kununurra, Home 

Valley Station & Broome 

• Overnight Katherine, Halls Creek & 

Fitzroy Crossing 

• 30-minute scenic flight of Kakadu 

• Scenic flight over Bungle Bungles and 

Lake Argyle 

• Willie Creek Pearl Farm tour 

• Camel ride on Cable Beach 

• 35 meals 

• Locally operated comfort plus coach 

travel 

DEPARTS > GOLD 27 APR; 

DIAMOND 15 JUN 2020 

Per person 

twin share 

FROM $3450* 

Price subject to QR fare changes. 

DEPARTS > 

23, 30 MAY | 6 JUL 2020 

Per person 


Call toll free on 0800 849 043 for a free 128 page brochure 

www.funoverfifty.com.au 

TOURING HOLIDAYS FOR THE OVER 50’S ONLY

Awarded THE BEST IN AUSTRALIA 

SAVE 

$300** 

per couple 

14 Day 

Treasure Islands of Queensland 

‘Diamond’ 

Class’ 

coach travel 

14 Day 

Best of the West & Wildflowers 

SAVE 

$400** 

per couple 

SEPTEMBER 

DEPARTURE 

• One-way Business Class Tilt Train rail 

journey Brisbane to Maryborough 

West then from Maryborough West 

to Gladstone 

• 2 nights Fraser Island with full day 

4WD island safari 

• Overnight in Gladstone, Rockhampton 

& Mission Beach 

• 3 nights Daydream Island 

• 2 nights Heron Island with daily naturalist 

bird watching tours and eco reef walks 

• Ocean Rafting jet boat tour 

• 3 nights Cairns 5 star 

• Kuranda Scenic Rail journey in Gold Class 

• Kuranda Army Duck & Cairns Skyrail 

• Green Island reef tour with semisubmersible 

• 37 meals 

• Return economy class flights to Perth ex 

Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide or Melbourne 

• 3 nights Perth incl Rottnest Island guided 

tour with train ride 

• 2 nights Geraldton & 1 night Dalwallinu 

• 2 nights Hyden, Albany & Beedelup 

• Desert Mounted Corps Memorial at 

Mount Clarence 

• Visit Wave Rock & The Humps 

• Visit the National Anzac Centre 

• Enjoy the Donnelly River cruise and 

Boranup Karri Forest 

• 1 night Margaret River 

• See Cape Naturalist and Canal Rocks 

• 38 meals 

• Locally operated comfort plus coach travel 

DEPARTS > 18 AUG 2020 

Per person 


DEPARTS > 

8 SEP | 5 OCT 2020 

Per person 


10 Day 

Queen of the Kimberley Cruise 

SAVE 

$500** 

per couple 

13 Day 

Tasmania Grand Tour 

SAVE 

$300** 

per couple 

OCTOBER 

DEPARTURE 

• Return economy class flights to Broome 

from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, 

Adelaide or Perth 

• 2 nights Broome 

• 7 night private charter for Fun Over 

Fifty guests on the Kimberley Quest II 

• Small group of 18 passengers only 

• Ensuited cabins serviced daily 

• Cruise islands of the Buccaneer 

Archipelago 

• Tender excursion to the Horizontal 

Waterfalls plus more daily tender 

excursions 

• Scenic helicopter flight over the Mitchell 

Falls and from Mitchell Plateau to 

Broome 

• 26 meals 

• Return economy class flights to 

Launceston ex Brisbane, Sydney 

or Melbourne 

• Cataract Gorge chairlift ride 

• Overnight Launceston, St Helens, 

Freycinet & Devonport 

• Freycinet Peninsula & Wineglass Bay 

scenic flight 

• 4 nights Hobart 

• Port Arthur Penal Settlement 

• Bruny Island sightseeing, food 

and lighthouse tour 

• Gordon River cruise in reserved 

premium seating 

• Cradle Mountain National Park 

• 2 nights Strahan & Smithton 

• 34 meals 

DEPARTS > 3 AUG 2020 

Per person 

twin share FROM $12,995* 

DEPARTS > 

16, 20 OCT 2020 

Per person 


15 Day 

The Central West, Gulf Country 

& Savannah Safari 

SAVE 

$300** 

per couple 

MAY 

DEPARTURE 

SAVE 

$200** 

per couple 

APRIL/MAY 

DEPARTURE 

9 Day 

Autumn Festival & Alpine High Country 

Choose 

‘Diamond’ or 

‘Gold Class’ 

travel 

• Luxury ‘Gold Class’ coach travel 

from Brisbane 

• Iconic Gulflander & Savannahlander 

rail journeys 

• Overnight stays in Roma, Mt Surprise 

& Cairns 

• 2 nights in Carnarvon Gorge, 

Cloncurry, Karumba & Cobbold Gorge 

• 20-minute helicopter flight over 

Carnarvon escarpment 

• 3 nights in Longreach 

• Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame 

• The Australian Age of Dinosaurs 

• Visit the iconic Walkabout Creek Hotel 

• Mount Isa mine tour 

• Sand Island sunset dinner cruise 

• One way economy class flight ex Cairns 

to Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne 

• 42 meals 

• One way economy class flights ex 

Brisbane, Sydney or Adelaide to 

Melbourne 

• 3 nights Beechworth 

• High Country; Mount Beauty; Bogong; 

High Plains, Falls Creek, Wallace’s Hut & 

Red Stag Deer Farm 

• Bright’s Gala Day at the Autumn Festival 

• 2 nights Bowral OR Sutton Forest 

• Riverboat Postman cruise and lunch 

on the Lower Hawkesbury River 

• 2 nights Newcastle 

• Slim Dusty Centre at Kempsey 

• Overnight Grafton 

• Tropical Fruit World plantation tour 

& lunch 

• 23 meals 

DEPARTS > 

10, 17 MAY | 7 JUN 2020 

Per person 


DEPARTS > GOLD 30 APR; 

DIAMOND 1 MAY 2020 

Per person 


WE VISIT EVERY STATE & TERRITORY OF AUSTRALIA ALONG WITH VARIOUS INTERNATIONAL TOURS 

*Prices & dates are correct as at 22 August 2019 and are subject to change. All prices quoted in Australian dollars. Prices are PP = Per Person Twin Share. **Savings valid to 30 November 2019 - 

conditions apply. Flights included are in economy class and from selected capital cities in Australia as per 2019 brochure inclusions. Sole Use prices are available in the Fun Over Fifty Brochure. S2487

10 


Health and Disability Standards Review 

Aged Care National Advisory Group 

chair ROY REID gives some insight 

into a formal Government review of 

Health and Disability Standards. 

In recent weeks I have 

attended two scoping 

meetings organised 

by the Health Certification 

Section of the Ministry 

of Health. Two sections 

of the standard are currently 

being reviewed and 

the meetings considered 

what changes should be 

considered to the existing 

standard. The objective 

is to update the standard 

to reflect current practices 

and develop specialist 

standards that meet the 

changing models of care. 

The standard being reviewed 

is the Health and 

Disability Service Standard-Home 

and Community 

Support Services and 

Aged Residential Care sections. 

The existing standard 

was written in 2008 

and is to be reviewed to 

reflect the changes in 

practice that have been 

introduced since their 

adoption. The Act requires 

the Minister to 

consult from time to time 

on whether the service 

standard should continue 

unamended, be amended 

or be replaced by a new 

service standard. 

The providers of care 

services who are contracted 

to provide care are audited 

on the standard. 

Home and Community 

Support Services 

Consumers Rights 

All people receiving care 

are entitled to their values, 

dignity and culture 

being recognised and supported 

and their choices 

respected, and their rights 

are upheld. It is important 

that the rights of a person 

are respected and listened 

to by providers. 

People receiving care at 

home are entitled to retain 

their privacy, dignity, confidentiality 

and independence. 

A person’s ethnic 

values and beliefs must 

be recognised and upheld, 

this refers to Maori, 

Pacifica and other ethnic 

groups in the community. 

Communication between 

the provider and 

client must be clear and 

easily understood. It is 

important that the provider 

informs the client if 

they are unable to visit at 

the scheduled time. 

Carers not arriving is a 

major problem, more so in 

rural areas where there is 

a shortage of care workers 

and relief workers are often 

not available at short 

notice. 

Freedom from abuse 

or neglect. It is very important 

that a consumer 

is not subjected to any 

form of discrimination, 

harassment, or abuse of a 

sexual, physical, psychological 

or financial nature. 

This standard applies 

equally to both the carer 

and client. 

With the provision of 

care at home. the consumers’ 

property, belongings 

and finances must be respected 

at all times. The 

consumer’s right to be 

able to complain should 

be clearly understood, 

respected, and upheld at 

all times. 

Consumers have a right 

to receive a service that is 

compliant with the legislation, 

and is managed in a 

safe and effective manner. 

It is expected that the 

provider will have welltrained 

and competent 

Roy Reid 

staff to provide a service 

that meets the clients 

needs. Both parties must 

clearly understand issues 

of health and safety requirements. 

Consumers should 

have a clear plan of the 

times and the services 

that will be provided to 

help them remain living in 

their own home. This covers 

personal care as well 

as home care. The services 

provided need to be reviewed 

on site by a regular 

assessment to ensure that 

all needs are being provided. 

Please remember that 

it is Government policy 

to assist people to remain 

living at home for as long 

as possible, so we expect 

that support is provided 

for that to occur. 

Aged Residential Care 

This section of the standard 

includes similar 

standards for human 

rights, ethnic rights and 

communication as in 

home care. 

Residents must be able 

to maintain a link with 

family and community is 

most important. The review 

needs to strengthen 

the wording of this standard, 

as well as the need 

to be able to make a complaint 

without fear of discrimination. 

The use of restraints 

should be minimised 

wherever possible. 

Infection prevention 

and control should be 

managed to minimise the 

risk of infection to all residents, 

staff and visitors. 

The proposed review 

is timely and will ensure 

a safe provision of care in 

the home and to those in 

aged residential care. 

Awarded the best in 

Australia – Fun Over 

Fifty Travel & Tours 

Australian and Queensland Tourism 

Award Winners, Fun Over 

Fifty have a select range of boutique 

tours designed specifically for the 

over 50’s market. There is something 

for everyone with an in-depth range of 

tours that visit every state and territory 

of Australia as well as some select international 

destinations, and account for 

all interests. All tours are fully escorted 

and are inclusive of quality accommodation, 

meals and sightseeing. Itineraries 

are meticulously designed with the 

active seniors market in mind and 

the company ethos of 'Travel in style, 

service with a smile' is delivered 

through outstanding customer service 

and exclusive venues and inclusions. 

We are dedicated 

to supporting local 

communities and 

environments, and are 

proud to have been 

recognised within the 

tourism industry as 

leaders in their field. 

Fun Over Fifty is a private, 100% 

Australian owned and operated company, 

passionate about delivering and 

sharing amazing travel experiences 

with our guests. We are dedicated to 

supporting local communities and 

environments, and are proud to have 

been recognised within the tourism industry 

as leaders in their field. At the 

2016 Australian Tourism Awards Fun 

Over Fifty was awarded GOLD for Best 

Tour and/or Transport Operator and 

BRONZE for Ecotourism, as well as 

the prestigious GOLD at the 2016 Premier’s 

Sustainability Awards. 

These awards come on top of a host 

of others with recent success at the 

Queensland Tourism Awards taking 1 

Gold and 2 Silver, GOLD at the 2018 

Australian Tourism Awards for 

Ecotourism and WINNER of the 2018 

Australian Small Business Champion 

Awards. 

In 2017 the company launched the 

new EXCLUSIVELY DESIGNED 

‘Diamond Class’ coach, raising the 

standard of coach touring in Australia, 

offering pure indulgence and a level of 

comfort, class and style that is unprecedented. 

So, if you’re looking for a tour operator 

who will take care of everything 

for you, who is well established in the 

industry, recognised award winners 

(21 awards in the past 7 years) and 

primary focus is to deliver a fantastic, 

fun and stylish touring experience, 

then Fun Over Fifty is the company for 

you! 

202639AA


Is there no escape from 

higher power bills? 

Electricity Industry xommentator and member of the 

Grey Power Energy National Advisory Group, MOLLY 

MELHUISH, takes a close look at whether power prices 

must rise to build new power stations, or whether local 

energy sources can increasingly meet our needs. She was 

recently described by US energy regulator consultants, 

the Regulatory Assistance Project, as the heart and soul 

of energy advocacy in New Zealand. 

BY MOLLY MELHUISH 

What’s going on 

with power pricing? 

The Electricity 

Price Review reported 

to Government in 

May, but since then, total 

silence. 

The Electricity Authority, 

Transpower, and Ministry 

of Business Innovation 

and Employment all 

released documents at the 

end of July. All confirmed 

the industry’s new vision, 

that “New Zealand needs 

to double its electricity 

generating capacity”, yet 

must retire all our coal and 

gas-fired power stations. 

This is to reduce carbon 

emissions as we agreed to 

in the Paris Climate Conference. 

Who will pay for all 

these new power stations? 

The industry claims prices 

won’t rise because new 

wind turbines are cheaper 

to build than today’s 

power stations, and cost 

nothing to run. Yet money 

doesn’t come out of the 

air even if the wind power 

does. Others, including the 

Interim Climate Change 

Committee, say that prices 

must inevitably rise. 

Here’s what I think is 

going on. The corporates 

that generate and sell elec- 

tricity, and own power 

lines, are all desperate to 

grow their “assets”. They 

are saying solar and batteries 

are bad investments 

that are used by rich 

householders to cut their 

power demand, leaving 

the poor to face higher and 

higher power bills. 

Therefore, they say, we 

must change the way we 

pay for power. Instead of 

being charged mostly by 

the kilowatt-hour, householders 

should pay much 

higher daily fixed charges, 

around two dollars per 

day even for the lowest users. 

That means low users 

can’t get out of paying for 

the electricity assets we all 

use. 

The Electricity Authority 

says the same for transmission 

pricing (which 

householders pay only 

indirectly). Prices should 

have “fixed-like” charges, 

so buyers can’t pay less 

by moving their electricity 

demand away from peak 

times. Prices would depend 

mostly on where you 

live, not how much you 

use or when. 

This is like a tax on essential 

services. It is “efficient” 

because it’s hard 

to evade by using less or 

changing when you use it. 

It deprives consumers of 

the power of choice. 

What these industry 

folk don’t say is that 

there’s another way for 

our electricity and energy 

systems to grow. Energy 

efficiency in houses is the 

cheapest way to release 

electricity for others to 

use. Clean wood burners 

can supply warmth when 

electricity from coal or gas 

is meeting winter peak demand. 

The big-electricity industry 

is fighting against 

competition from local 

energy providers. The industry 

is anti-competitive, 

even predatory in its pricing 

proposals. It pays no 

attention to submissions 

from householders. 

High fixed charges allow 

them to reduce the 

per-unit price they charge. 

This makes investment 

in insulation or efficient 

lights or appliances pay 

MOBILITY SCOOTERS MANUKAU 

We service Auckland, Papakura, Pukekohe, Waiuku. 

SCOOTERS POWER CHAIRS WHEELCHAIRS WALKERS 

back over a much longer 

time. This is even truer for 

solar panels. A few years 

ago you could sell your excess 

solar electricity back 

at or near the retail price; 

now you’re lucky if you get 

eight cents per unit. 

Local energy has a huge 

advantage over buying 

your power from the big 

power companies. Solar 

can be designed so if the 

power lines fail you still 

have electricity in the 

Denis & Ruth Ryan 

86b Ngataringa Road 

Devonport Auckland 0624 

New Zealand 




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FOR ENVELOPES • PARCELS • BACK OF CHEQUES 

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house. And a good local 

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you to sell to your 

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Clean wood burning 

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on the stove top if there is 

no wetback on the wood 

burner) and cooking in 

a protracted emergency, 

which will happen 

more and more as climate 

change bites. 

Local energy gives resilience, 

local employment, 

and true low-carbon energy. 

We must make sure 

a predatory big-electricity 

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energy out of the market 

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GP

12 


NZ’s Best Retirement 

Villages and Rest 

Homes - 2019 

There were a 25 winners and finalists covering eight 

categories announced in this year’s national 2019 Peoples' 

Choice Awards - Best Retirement Village and Aged Care 

facilities in NZ. The elite group ranged from Waikiwi Gardens 

Rest Home in Invercargill to Maygrove Lifestyle Village in 

Orewa, North Auckland. Ryman Healthcare took out the 

coveted multi-facility award for the second year in a row. 

Archer Home & Village resident, Morva (age 102) with Graeme 

Mitchell, Archer manager (left) receives one of their awards 

from Nigel Matthews, managing director, AgedAdvisor (right). 

A 

full list of award 

recipients can be 

viewed at www. 

agedadvisor.nz/awards. 

The NZ-based website allows 

residents, family and 

friends to post reviews on 

a village or care facility. 

When it launched in 2015 

it quickly became popular 

with residents and family, 

but was not initially 

well-received by the sector. 

Managing director 

Nigel Matthews says there 

was concern from a few 

operators that it would 

just become a complaint 

site. 

“However, time has 

proven that not to be the 

case.” 

The site now has more 

than 4100 in-depth reviews 

on 625 Aged Care 

facilities & Retirement / 

Lifestyle Villages around 

Sample comments 

the country. And 96 percent 

of all reviews across 

both care and village (independent 

living) are rated 

“good", "very good", 

or “excellent”. Eighty-five 

percent of everyone surveyed 

would definitely 

recommend the village or 

care facility they reviewed, 

with seven percent saying 

the would not recommend, 

and the other eight percent 

unsure. 

“People have a lot of 

great things to say about 

their experiences regarding 

village living and care.” 

Mathews says the reviews 

help show what 

makes people choose a facility. 

“Key influencers are 

normally location, friendliness 

of staff and varying 

levels of care on offer.” And 

location does not always 

mean closest to home. A 

“Moving to this village was the right and best decision 

for me to make. I feel very much at home and enjoy 

all the activities and friendships I have made.” 

“Have lived, loved, and enjoyed the past 13+ years 

here - why would I want to leave?” 

“Words cannot describe how appreciative we are as 

a family for the care and dignity our mother received 

during her time here.” 

Cook Street Nursing Care Centre with the news of Winning Best Small Aged Care - North Island. 

case in point - Cheviot Rest 

Home, a 14 bed facility in 

rural Canterbury has won 

best small aged care facility 

in the South Island four 

years running and is currently 

ranked No.1 in New 

Zealand on AgedAdvisor. 

Sue Coleman, owner 

and operator puts it down 

to "small size… intimate 

and homely... and the lifestyle 

that a rural community 

can offer". 

Amy Munro, managing 

director of Malyon House, 

Mount Maunganui and 

three time award winner, 

describes what it means to 

being an award recipient. 

“The publicity from word 

of mouth that this generates 

for us is priceless. I 

even had a job applicant 

mention our award-win- 

ning status in her cover 

letter recently. The staff 

morale boost is great, and 

the residents of course get 

quite excited." 

First time winner, Anna 

Blackwell, owner and clinical 

director of Cook Street 

Nursing Care Centre, 

Palmerston North says: 

WIN WIN WIN 

Win a 2020 New Zealand Home Diary 

The New Zealand Home Diary is a popular 

addition to many homes around the country. 

The 2020 diary features a double page per 

week and a new recipe for each week, with an 

accompanying photograph. 

This popular A5 hard covered diary has been 

published annually for 30 years. At the front 

are pages for contact details for family and 

friends, standard diary information including 

calendars for 2019, 2020, 2021, New Zealand 

public holidays, school terms, moon phases, 

daylight saving dates and sunrise and sunset 

times. There are features on fermented foods, 

growing citrus in pots and caring for the 

elderly. 

“For our small facility we 

are overwhelmed with the 

positive feedback – so cool 

to be recognised for what 

we do.” 

Voted New Zealand’s Best 

Rest Homes & Retirement Villages. 

Make sure you see who won this year’s 

People’s Choice Awards. 

The reviews were done by people just like you. 

Find out who the winners & finalists were at: 

www.agedadvisor.co.nz/awards 

The clearly laid out diary section has 

weekdays on the left-hand page and 

weekend days plus a photographed recipe 

on each right-hand page. The recipe 

selection aims to suit a range of tastes, 

including gluten-free and low sugar baking and some 

meat-free mains. 

At the back of the diary is useful home information: a household emergency 

checklist, an updated section on first aid and CPR (approved by the relevant 

authorities), space for notes and gift ideas, and a year planner and birthdays and 

anniversaries calendar. 

To win one of six New Zealand Home Diaries up for grabs, email your name and 

address to win@greypowermag.co.nz with NZ Home Diary in the subject line, 

or post your entry to NZ Home Diary competition, Grey Power, PO Box 1425, 

Hamilton 3240. Entries close on 30 October, 2019. 

(If you’re not one of the lucky winners, you can treat yourself to a New Zealand 

Home Diary in book shops or by mail order. More information is available at 

www.newzealandhomediary.co.nz)


Insurance market 

not working for 

consumers, says 

Consumer NZ 

Consumer NZ’s recent report on the insurance industry 

says consumers are paying more than ever for insurance, 

but they’re not getting a fair deal. 

Chief executive Sue 

Chetwin said its 

survey research 

found significant problems 

in the insurance 

market, including a high 

level of complaints and 

low levels of trust. 

“Just 13 percent of consumers 

were confident 

they could trust insurers 

to give them good advice,” 

she said. 

“Many were unsure 

about the cover provided 

by their insurance policy 

and what they were getting 

for their money. Only 

18 percent felt they fully 

understood the terms of 

their policies.” 

The survey also found 

one in four had experienced 

a problem with 

their insurer. The top 

complaint? Having a 

claim unreasonably declined. 

Chetwin said insurers 

had wide-ranging rights 

to decline a claim if they 

decided a customer hadn’t 

told them something they 

considered material, regardless 

of whether the 

customer knew they needed 

to disclose this information. 

Consumer NZ’s research 

also found those 

who bought cover through 

an insurance adviser or 

broker were more likely 

to feel they were getting 

a bad deal. They were significantly 

less likely to be 

satisfied with the service 

they got, compared with 

those who bought direct 

from an insurance company. 

Chetwin said this difference 

was most evident 

among consumers who’d 

bought life insurance. 

Just 28 percent of those 

who got their life insur- 

Sue Chetwin 

ance from a broker were 

happy with the service 

provided, compared with 

44 percent who bought 

direct from an insurance 

company. 

“Life insurance brokers 

get paid on commission, 

which can be as high as 

200 percent of the premium. 

Commission-based 

selling comes with a huge 

risk the broker will put 

their earnings ahead of 

what’s right for their customer. 

The results of our 

research suggest selling 

insurance this way is leading 

to poorer outcomes for 

consumers.” 

Consumer NZ is campaigning 

for changes to 

insurance law to improve 

protection for consumers. 

The non-profit organisation’s 

report recommendations 

included: 

The insurance industry 

needs to work better 

for consumers. Consumer 

NZ is proposing simple 

changes that will help ensure 

consumers get a fair 

deal and advice that isn’t 

skewed by commissions. 

“In other countries, consumer 

protection laws prevent insurers 

from unreasonably refusing a 

claim in cases of innocent or 

accidental non-disclosure. But 

that’s yet to happen here, which 

means Kiwis are more likely to 

have claims declined.” 

- Sue Chetwin 

These include: 

• Making cover clearer - 

Requiring insurers to 

provide a simple onepage 

policy summary 

would make it easier 

for consumers to understand 

and compare 

what’s on offer. 

• Fixing unfair terms - 

Making insurance subject 

to the Fair Trading 

Act’s ban on unfair 

terms would help get 

rid of one-sided policies. 

Insurance is the 

only industry that’s 

largely exempt from 

this ban. 

• Dealing with disclosure 

- Preventing insurers 

from unreasonably declining 

claims where a 

customer accidentally 

or innocently fails to 

disclose information 

would help ensure fair 

outcomes. 

• Improving price transparency 

- Requiring insurers 

to provide clear 

information about 

costs, including increases 

at the time of 

renewal, would make 

it easier for consumers 

to shop around. Publishing 

complaints: 

requiring industry dispute 

schemes to “name 

and shame” companies 

that aren’t playing fair 

would help push the industry 

to lift its game. 

• Cleaning up commissions 

- Getting rid of 

commissions would be 

the best way to tackle 

the conflicts of interest 

they create. 

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14 


Book Review 

ACC A National Plot? 

By Sandra Crashley 2019 

Published by Loveley Books, Opotiki, NZ 

ISBN 978-0-473-47197-2 

The purpose of this 

book is to expose 

the deficiencies 

in the way Government 

agencies, and in particular 

ACC, fulfil the requirements 

of the law in their 

dealings with the public. 

According to the author, 

the whole purpose and 

spirit of the original ACC 

legislation have been altered 

beyond recognition 

and no longer serve the 

people who seek help. 

This theory is based 

on the personal experience 

of the author over 

the years. Mrs Crashley 

is British-born and a migrant 

to New Zealand 45 

years ago. In the past, she 

has had much experience 

in being an advocate for 

those who are struggling 

with various authorities to 

get their rights and this is 

the reason for her undertaking 

to write the book 

– a case of gross mismanagement 

of a young sole 

parent whose injury at her 

part-time work caused her 

to give up work altogether 

lit the spark, and she 

cites many other instances 

of people who did not 

receive their entitlements 

from ACC. 

Mrs Crashley’s problems 

with ACC appear to 

have been at least partly 

caused by a skating accident 

and botched (illegal) 

pelvic surgery in England. 

Her association with the 

department in New Zealand 

was the result of various 

accidental falls, which 

ACC insisted were due to 

her age or a rare genetic 

condition, and nothing 

to do with the previous 

medical misadventure or 

accident. Therefore, as 

her latest injuries could be 

put down to “age-related 

degeneration”, she could 

not access ACC funding 

for her physiotherapy and 

other resulting medical 

needs. 

The author has obviously 

kept meticulous 

records, much to the discomfiture 

of certain ACC 

personnel, and she gives 

many details of these, together 

with the full text 

of letters to various doctors 

and officials. She has 

clearly suffered from the 

incompetence, attitudes 

and alleged duplicity of 

ACC staff and various local 

medical persons. 

Her knowledge of the 

legislation has enabled 

her to relate accurately 

the original intent of the 

ACC legislation and the 

subsequent alteration in 

its perspective, namely 

recreating itself from the 

Accident Compensation 

Commission, an independent 

body, into the Accident 

Compensation Corporation, 

which is subject 

to government and pays 

dividends into the national 

coffers. The prevailing 

attitude she experienced 

was one in which the officials 

looked upon any 

claimants as potential rippers-off 

of the system and 

therefore to be denied assistance 

if at all possible, 

thus saving funds for the 

organisation. 

Much of her conclusions 

she applies to the 

personnel of other government 

agencies, and 

she is very vocal in her 

criticism of the National 

government during its last 

term of office. She is vehement 

in her condemnation 

of the treatment she received 

and her determination 

to achieve a change in 

the legislation governing, 

particularly, ACC. 

While many elderly 

people will read this book 

with great sympathy and 

relate to much it contains, 

Reviewed by 

Kilian de Lacy 

See also our letters, 

page 40 

I found the endless repetition 

of medical misadventures, 

accidents and details 

of the way the author was 

treated by the authorities a 

deterrent to my enjoyment 

of the book. In addition, it 

could do with some tidying 

up with regard to grammar 

and spelling – it was 

self-published so presumably 

there was little or no 

independent editing. 

That being said, Mrs 

Crashley makes a very 

strong point, one which 

would resonate with anyone 

who has had problems 

obtaining their entitlements 

from the Corporation. 

Energy, Vitality and Maintaining Independence 

When we think about our energy 

and vitality, quite often we are 

thinking about being able to do what 

we want to do. It’s about maintaining 

our independence no matter our age 

and continuing to get out and about 

either locally or abroad. 

The challenge has always been, how 

do we maintain this independence 

as we age, how do we ensure that 

we don’t have to rely on others. This 

is where a healthy diet and keeping 

moving is important. 

The main reason for losing 

independence is the loss of our 

mobility from serious joint issues 

and inflammation. The inflammation 

of joints is one of the key areas to 

the degradation of our health and 

wellbeing, as it occurs we find we don’t 

move as much, weight is gained, social 

connections are harder to keep due 

to not being able to get out as much, 

simple activities become a chore, and 

our mood and outlook decline. We can 

also feel consistently tired, and in time 

inflammation can cause other serious 

conditions. 

The good thing is, rather than focusing 

on fixing each little piece in puzzle we 

can start with the route problem or 

prevent the problem in the first place. 

Here are some simple tips to reduce 

inflammation: 

DIET 

There are some foods that can 

increase inflammation, and some 

that help to reduce it. Here’s a little 

helpful list. 

Increase Inflamation: 

• Dried Foods 

• Deep Fried Foods 

• Refined carbohydrates 

• Excessive alcohol 

• Processed meats 

• Food Addatives 

Decrease Inflamation: 

• Fruit 

• Cruciferous Vegetables 

• Oily Fish 

• Turmeric 

• Nuts & Seeds 

• Garlic 

EXERCISE 

It’s not about hitting the gym, or 

getting out to run a marathon, but 

if that is your goal then by all means 

we applaud. For many, the simple 

act of getting out of the house for 

a walk, going shopping, or visiting 

our favourite places can be a 

challenge, little and often is the key 

here, especially if you haven’t done 

anything for a while. Using things 

around the home, like a couple of 

cans for resistance, and vacuuming 

for cardiovascular can help make a 

difference. 

STRESS LESS 

Reducing stress is important to help 

reduce inflammation. The more 

we stress the higher the levels of 

stress chemicals, like cortisol, course 

through our body. Though this is great 

when we are in fight or flight mode, its 

not great when we should be relaxing. 

Take time for you, do something you 

enjoy, even if it is only for a short time 

each day. Have a period where you 

can remove some of those things that 

increase your levels of stress. 

SLEEP 

Ensuring you get a quality night’s 

sleep is vital to helping the body 

combat all sorts of challenges. When 

we have broken sleep, or constantly 

wake up feeling tired, we can be sure 

that our body isn’t working at it’s 

optimum. Deep, restful sleep helps 

the body to regenerate, and do what 

we want to do during the day. 

SUPPLEMENTS 

There is a vast array of supplements 

out there. The thing to remember 

is that not all supplements are 

created equal, and consideration 

should be given to tried and tested 

products. Look for well researched, 

independently batch tested products 

that support your specific needs. 

Ensure what you are taking is what 

is described on the bottle, and always 

check the use by date.


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16 


Pedal Power for older people 

When Nelson-based Frank Witowski (50) recovered from 

cancer and decided to prioritise his fitness, he looked for 

an e-bike to help him achieve his goals. 

BY LISA POTTER 

Former editor of Grey Power Magazine 

After discovering 

the bike he wanted 

didn’t exist, the 

canny mechanical engineer 

decided to make his 

own. It didn’t take long for 

word to spread and Frank 

was often approached 

when out riding his prototype 

by people keen 

to know where he had 

bought it. 

Two years later and 

Hybrid Bikes has taken a 

podium finish in a recent 

Consumer NZ e-bike survey. 

The brand is stocked 

in 26 retailers nationwide, 

as well as attracting interest 

from overseas. In fact, 

Frank is fresh off the plane 

from attending European 

trade shows and meeting 

with interested overseas 

stockists. 

“It’s really exciting to 

put New Zealand on the 

e-bike map,” he said. 

With a lifetime passion 

for creativity and 

engineering, Frank is no 

stranger to the business 

of being an entrepreneur. 

In fact, Hybrid Bikes is his 

third start-up company. 

With a refusal to let 

neither age or illness slow 

him, thanks to his successful 

e-bike design he’s faster 

than ever. 

The self-confessed 

workaholic’s passion for 

cycling and determination 

to continue pursuing interests 

he enjoys, saw him 

turn his skillset to designing 

what he considers the 

perfect e-bike. 

"I knew what I wanted 

when I went looking for 

an e-bike and I couldn’t 

find it,” he said. "I wanted 

something simple to 

use, comfortable to ride, 

lightweight to handle and 

I liked carbon - and it 

wasn't there, so I thought I 

might as well do it myself." 

The resulting bike was 

between three and five 

and 5kgs lighter than most 

e-bikes, and was smooth 

and powerful to ride, he 

said. 

His e-bikes range features 

quality parts like 

Shimano, Tektro and Novatec, 

and has Samsung 

batteries powering the 

largest Bafang motor possible. 

The tyres allow for 

on and off-road action. 

As well as the satisfaction 

of enjoying his own 

design, Frank takes much 

pleasure in seeing other 

people taking up and enjoying 

cycling thanks to 

his e-bikes. 

“It’s really 

exciting to put 

New Zealand 

on the e-bike 

map.” - Frank 

Witowski 

A perfect example is his 

78-year-old grandfather 

who “was never really into 

cycling”. 

“He is now cycling 

around 50kms a week - 

and clocking it up effortlessly, 

feeling fitter and 

healthier, and also happy 

getting outside involved 

in an activity and meeting 

new people through it. 

The e-bike has made this 

achievable for him.” 

Franks said two standout 

features of his Hybrid 

bikes were the lightness 

and the power. 

“I wanted to make biking 

accessible for as many 

age groups as I could, so 

a light bike was really important 

so older people 

can handle it and lift it 

onto a bike rack,” he says. 

The Hybrid has five 

power options, whether 

you just want a small 

amount of power or maximum 

to help with steep 

hills. 

“I love hearing from 

people who have discovered 

that cycling is an option 

for them thanks to the 

power of a Hybrid e-bike,” 

he said. 

“Seniors are our largest 

market with many sharing 

stories of how much 

they’re enjoying being able 

to cycle again.” 

Hybrid Bikes is offering 

a $250 discount on a new 

Hybrid Bike to Grey Power 

members and Gold Card 

holders. This is available 

directly via the Hybrid 

Bikes website (hybridbikes.co.nz). 

Frank Witowski: On a 

mission for older people. 

Photo/Supplied 

Test-ride surprise 

If, like me, cycling has never really been “your thing” 

a helping hand from an e-bike could be the answer to 

allowing you to enjoy the activity. 

I approached the opportunity to test-ride an e-bike 

with a small amount of reluctance - largely because I 

haven’t sat on a bike for about three decades and also 

because no matter which way I set off from home, I 

meet a fairly steep hill within the first few minutes. 

This terrain has always been the deal-breaker for me. 

Before even starting to enjoy the pleasure of a bike 

ride, I’m out of breath with aching knees from attempting 

to master the mini mountains. 

So it was a surprise to discover just how life changing 

the e-bike experience was. I powered up the hills 

with a sense of joy and ended up cycling much further 

than I intended, simply because it was so enjoyable. 

While the e-bike definitely assisted me getting uphill, 

I still got all the physical benefits of being outside 

in the fresh air and pedalling. 

It’s been more than a week now, and instead of 

driving to the local cafe for a cheeky mocha, I hop 

on the e-bike - so I’m getting exercise and fresh 

air, as well as saving fuel. That’s a definite win. 

- By LISA POTTER 

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New study says exercise 

helps brain function 

Exercise could guard against disease by triggering a 

hormone that helps regrow brain cells, a US study 

published in the Nature Medicine journal has found, 

according to ExerciseNZ chief executive Richard Beddie. 

Scientists have known 

for some time that 

exercise reduces the 

risk of developing dementia, 

but they did not know 

if there was a direct link, 

or whether ill people were 

simply unable to be physically 

active, said Beddie. 

“A new series of studies 

involving Columbia 

University in New York 

has shown that a hormone 

released during exercise is 

depleted in the brains of 

people with Alzheimer’s,” 

he said. 

“Degenerative diseases 

“There is growing evidence that 

exercise is not only preventative, 

but rehabilitative too, and helps 

those living with dementia from 

living more fulfilling lives.” 

- Richard Beddie 

such as dementia affect 

tens of thousands of Kiwis 

or around one to two 

percent of those in their 

60s and up to 30 percent 

of those over the age of 85. 

The most common form of 

dementia is Alzheimer's 

and there is growing evidence 

that exercise is not 

only preventative, but rehabilitative 

too, and helps 

those living with dementia 

from living more fulfilling 

lives.” 

Recently, ExerciseNZ, 

in partnership with Exercise 

as Medicine NZ, delivered 

the first comprehensive 

training for exercise 

professionals to help develop 

safe and effective exercising 

programmes for 

those with a range of long 

term conditions. More 

than 30 people 30 attended 

training workshops 

in Auckland and Christchurch, 

which included 

exercise professionals and 

allied health professionals. 

Exercise is esential 

What’s clear is that exercise 

is not only beneficial, 

but essential in the prevention 

and treatment of 

so many long-term health 

conditions, said Beddie. 

The more exercise experts 

can support and educate 

those that are working 

with the community at 

every level from gyms to 

aged care exercise classes, 

the more they can collectively 

help to improve not 

Richard Beddie 

only the length of life, but 

the quality of life of those 

living with dementia and 

other chronic conditions, 

he added. 

The US university study 

suggests not only that exercise 

really does protect 

against dementia, but also 

that a drug which mimics 

the irisin hormone could 

be the answer to preventing 

the disease. 

Recent research has 

shown that the hormone 

irisin promotes brain cell 

growth in the hippocampus, 

a region of the brain 

associated with memory 

and learning. Only two areas 

of the brain can regrow 

brain cells in adulthood, 

and the hippocampus is 

one of the first areas to 

deteriorate in people suffering 

from Alzheimer’s 

disease. 

The scientists are now 

searching for pharmaceutical 

compounds that 

can increase brain levels 

of the hormone or can 

mimic its action. But despite 

decades of research 

and trials, no drug has yet 

been found to reverse or 

prevent the condition, and 

several major drugs companies 

have now pulled 

out of testing altogether. 

For more information, 

contact ExerciseNZ 

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18 


How the other half lives 

(Memories of a budget adviser) 

While a budget adviser can on 

occasion score a real success with a 

client, there are times when he/she 

experiences a monumental failure. 

BY KILLIAN DE LACY 

Federation Board Member 

Take a Polynesian 

family we were 

asked to help. We 

visited them in their fairly 

old rented house, which 

was clean and reasonably 

tidy, but not exactly sparkling. 

A small child ran 

away from the door when 

she saw us and there were 

obviously other children 

around. 

We discovered that 

there were actually four 

adults (the parents themselves 

and the wife’s parents) 

and five children living 

in the three-bedroom 

house. Needless to say, 

it was a bit chaotic. The 

wife (let’s call her Jane) 

was working some hours 

a day as a cleaner and the 

husband (Joe will do as a 

name) was not currently 

in employment. He had 

given up work at the local 

meat works because it was 

“too hard”. 

The fact that he needed 

to work to help maintain 

the family did not seem to 

occur to him. The elderly 

parents had not been in 

New Zealand long enough 

to claim superannuation 

so they contributed nothing, 

but free child-minding 

services and housekeeping 

duties to the household. 

Joe and Jane were being 

pursued by the bank, 

debt collectors, the court, 

Telecom, Genesis, IRD, 

WINZ – you name it, they 

were indebted to it. Their 

total debt when we appeared 

on the scene was 

$88,097.15. Needless to 

say, they were having difficulty 

providing food for 

the family. The papers 

they had accumulated regarding 

their unpaid debts 

filled two large plastic 

bags. 

Our first task was to 

get their permission to act 

on their behalf with their 

creditors and to obtain a 

“stay of execution” till we 

could make some sense 

out of their financial situation 

and get them onto a 

regular repayment schedule. 

Their rent alone was 

$325 a week, and somehow 

that was also getting 

behind. We had to get that 

one sorted very quickly. 

The next thing was 

food. Through our budgeting 

service, we had access 

to a volunteer group 

which provided us with 

boxes of food for needy 

families. For a few weeks, 

we provided them with 

five banana boxes of food, 

including fresh fruit and 

vegetables. This staved off 

starvation, but could not 

go on forever. There were 

other needy families in 

need of sustenance. 

Gradually, we organised 

their income/outgoings 

schedule and worked 

with their bank to set up 

automatic payments that 

would satisfy the creditors 

and still leave them some 

funds for the necessities of 

life. I took Joe to an interview 

for a cleaning job at 

a local holiday camp – his 

attitude must have shown 

through, as he didn’t get 

the job. So he continued 

to go on his merry way, 

helping himself to funds 

from Jane’s bank account 

(until I had her change her 

pin number) and spending 

any cash he had on who 

knows what. 

One interesting sideline 

was the fact that they had 

recently obtained a water 

cooler for which, as you 

can imagine, they were 

struggling to pay. It took 

us many letters and phone 

calls to have that removed 

by the suppliers and the 

debt cancelled – we were 

lucky there, as the couple 

had no means to pay for it 

anyway. 

Everything seemed 

to be settling down for a 

while. At our regular insistence 

the rent was paid 

so at least they kept a roof 

over their heads. Then a 

puppy appeared on the 

premises. It appeared Joe 

had been offered it by a 

friend and told me he had 

accepted it “for the children”. 

I read the riot act. 

When they were struggling 

to house and feed their 

family, a dog was the last 

thing they needed. Joe was 

unmoved. It was obvious 

he wanted the animal and 

that was that. The fact that 

a pet of any kind is an expensive 

item was ignored. 

The last straw was after 

four months when, 

once again, the rent was 

not paid. At that point we 

gave up. All of a sudden 

Jane took off to Auckland 

without telling anyone she 

was going. The case was 

obviously hopeless. We 

went round to the house 

with all their papers and 

resigned. Joe begged for 

another chance, but he 

had had enough of those 

in our opinion. 

The last I heard of them 

was that the couple had 

split up, the elderly parents 

had moved onto superannuation 

and into a 

State house, Joe had taken 

two of the older children 

and was living with another 

woman, and Jane was 

boarding with her parents 

and the other children 

while still working as a 

cleaner. 

You might ask what 

happened to the dog? I 

have no idea. You win 

some and you lose some. 

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Michael J Fox Foundation helps fund 

NZ hunt for new Parkinson’s drugs 

A $221,000 grant from The Michael 

J Fox Foundation will allow a team 

of researchers at the University of 

Auckland’s Centre for Brain Research 

to ramp up their hunt for new drugs 

that could potentially slow down 

Parkinson’s disease. 

The Michael J Fox 

Foundation, founded 

by the Canadian 

actor and writer, is the 

world’s largest non-profit 

funder of Parkinson’s research, 

and is dedicated 

to accelerating a cure for 

Parkinson’s disease and 

improved therapies for 

those living with the condition. 

Worldwide, an estimated 

six million people 

– including 10,000 in New 

Zealand - live with the 

condition, which has no 

cure. Parkinson’s disease 

is a neurodegenerative 

disorder that progressively 

erodes a person’s mobility 

and quality of life. As 

many of our readers are 

well aware, bBy the time 

symptoms are apparent 

enough for diagnosis, the 

damage to the brain is too 

extensive to repair. 

“Current treatments 

only alleviate symptoms 

but do not target the actual 

cause,” says Dr Victor 

Dieriks from the Centre 

for Brain Research, colead 

of the research team. 

“What we are seeking is 

treatments that would delay 

or even prevent degeneration 

by targeting the 

earliest disease processes. 

One of these early processes 

is inflammation of brain 

cells, called ‘neuroinflammation’, 

and that’s what 

we are focusing on.” 

Neuroinflammation 

is when cells that usually 

clean up waste and debris, 

or fight off infection, 

become activated for long 

periods of time, which 

leads to an attack on 

healthy brain tissue. 

The new project will 

bring together two strands 

of research at the centre: 

one looking at neuroinflammation 

in brain 

disorders, including in 

Parkinson’s disease, the 

other investigating the 

actions of alpha synuclein 

(a-SYN), the problem protein 

that forms clumps in 

the brains of people with 

Parkinson’s disease. 

Study co-lead Professor 

Mike Dragunow and 

his team at the centre 

had already discovered 

that inflammation occurs 

not only in brain immune 

cells called microglia – 

most commonly studied 

in Parkinson’s - but also 

in the cells that line the 

blood vessels throughout 

the brain, which regulate 

blood flow and the permeability 

of the blood-brain 

barrier. 

It is these cells, called 

pericytes, which may hold 

the key to a new treatment 

avenue, and shed light on 

how a-SYN is involved in 

degeneration. 

The researchers will 

first determine exactly how 

a-SYN acts on pericytes 

(sourcing a pure form of 

the protein from a collaborator 

in France). They will 

test this on pericyte cells 

isolated from donors with 

Parkinson’s disease and 

from people without brain 

disease, which are held in 

the Hugh Green Biobank 

at the centre; and in tissue 

sections from these 

same people held in the 

Neurological Foundation 

Human Brain Bank, also 

based at the centre. The 

team’s access to both brain 

cells and tissues from the 

same patients gives them a 

unique edge. 

Our hope is 

that it will one 

day lead to real 

improvements 

in the lives of 

those affected 

by this disease. 

“If we find that a-SYN 

causes an inflammatory 

response in pericytes, 

then we will test pericyte 

anti-inflammatory compounds 

(recently discovered 

in Professor Dragunow’s 

laboratory) to see 

if they have protective effects 

on cells from people 

with Parkinson’s,” says Dr 

Dieriks. 

“This could prove the 

first step towards a new 

drug therapy that could 

slow down the progression 

of the disease early on, before 

the more debilitating 

effects set in.” 

Professor Dragunow 

says the Hugh Green Biobank 

is a huge asset in 

this project. Established 

in 2011 with funding from 

the Hugh Green Foundation, 

the biobank is 

dedicated to identifying 

new treatments for brain 

disorders by growing and 

studying human brain 

cells derived from autopsy 

and neurosurgical brain 

tissue donors, including 

those with Parkinson’s. 

He says, “We are immensely 

grateful for The 

Michael J Fox Foundation 

grant, and most importantly 

to the generous 

patients and their families 

who donate tissue for our 

research. Our hope is that 

it will one day lead to real 

improvements in the lives 

of those affected by this 

disease.” 

The other study investigators 

are Professor Maurice 

Curtis, Dr Helen Murray, 

Dr Deidre Jansson, 

and PhD student Taylor 

Stevenson, who with Dr 

Justin Rustenhoven (now 

based at the University of 

Virginia) made the first 

observations, in Professor 

Dragunow’s laboratory, of 

the actions of a-SYN on 

human brain pericytes. 

Results are expected by 

early 2022. 

The grant was made to 

the University of Auckland’s 

For All Our Futures 

Campaign, which is raising 

funds to address major 

issues affecting New Zealanders. 

Essential funding 

also comes from the Hugh 

Green Foundation (which 

funds the Hugh Green 

Biobank), the Health Research 

Council of New 

Zealand, Neurological 

Foundation (which funds 

the Human Brain Bank), 

Neuro Research Charitable 

Trust, and Ian and Sue 

Parton. 

Searching for leads: Professor Mike Dragunow, PhD student 

Taylor Stevenson, and Dr Victor Dieriks. Photo/supplied. 

Possum Fur Belt Relieves 

Ongoing Low Back Pain 

If you are suffering from lower back pain 

that just won’t go away and have tried 

everything to get rid of it, don’t despair. 

Colin Cox’s Possum Fur Pain Relief Belt 

may just be the answer. 

It was some years ago that Colin learned 

from his friend and fellow farmer, the late 

Sir Peter Elworthy, that possum fur was 

hollow. The only other animals with hollow 

fur are the Polar bear and the Arctic fox. 

Being hollow, Colin reasoned that the fur, 

when worn directly against the skin, would 

trap heat and keep the wearer warm. 

After a lifetime in 

farming Colin’s back 

was suffering badly so 

he made a possum fur 

pad that he could rest 

against when sitting 

down. To his surprise 

he found that when he 

got up rather than it 

being more intense 

much of the pain had 

gone. He then made 

basic belts from treated possum fur and gave 

to his friends with pack pain. Invariably the 

feedback was that much of their pain was 

taken away when the belt was worn with fur 

against the skin. 

In 2010, up and coming Olympic rower, 

Mahe Drysdale was laid low with osteoarthritis. 

There were days when his back 

pain was so intense that he could not train. 

He’d tried everything for relief but nothing 

worked and the future looked very bleak. 

In 2011 he learned about the possum belt, 

was sceptical, but agreed to trial it. To his 

amazement (and delight) much of his pain 

went away. Mahe was able to resume his 

training program and just 12 months later he 

astonished the world by winning Gold at the 

2012 Olympics. Then, four years later, in 

2016 he repeated the win by gaining gold for 

the second time. 

Mahe admits that without the Painaway 

belt he could not have trained, let alone enter 

and win the Olympics. He has now worn the 

belt virtually 24 hours a day for the past 8 

years. His is only one of the many success 

stories that have come from this simple 

discovery. Clinical studies show average 

pain relief of 25%; many people report 40, 

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Besides Mahe, Painaway has many other 

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women) who have 

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pain for many years 

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obtaining varying 

degrees of relief. One 

example is Taihape 

farmer Fraser Gordon 

who wrecked his back 

by lifting stray sheep 

over a fence back into his neighbour’s 

property. For 30 years he had extreme pain 

and no solution worked. Five years ago he 

acquired a possum belt and now lives an 

almost pain free life. 

You can read other stories by going to the 

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brochure. The Painaway Possum Fur Pain 

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who may be struggling a bit the company 

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To find out more about this amazing 

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go to www.Painaway.org.nz You may also 

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20 


Keep testosterone supplementation safe 

We know that men and women are different in so 

many weird and wonderful ways. However, right at the 

beginning of an embryo's development, males and 

females are the same. Both have a pair of identical 

undifferentiated gonads, which have the potential to 

develop into testes or ovaries. 

BY DENISE ELLIOTT 

It has been identified 

as a single gene on the 

male Y chromosome 

that binds to the DNA of 

the gonads, causing them 

to become testes, and if 

the gene is not present 

ovaries will develop. 

Following that choice, 

it is the hormones that organise 

everything through 

the internal and external 

sexual development, 

including the brain, in 

preparation for later activation 

in life, during puberty. 

Testosterone is classified 

as a steroidal andro- 

gen and is the key male 

sex hormone that develops 

masculinity, growth 

of facial hair, lowering the 

voice, fertility, and muscle 

and fat distribution. Pubic 

and underarm hair is 

produced by androgens 

from the adrenals, which 

both sexes produce. Both 

types of glands (testes and 

ovaries) produce a small 

amount of the hormone of 

the other sex. 

Testosterone has two 

specific actions - androgenic 

(masculinising) and 

anabolic (tissue building). 

Testosterone alone will 

not build muscle, we also 

require adequate protein, 

essential fatty acids, 

vitamins and minerals. 

The muscle also must 

have work to develop and 

strengthen. A lean body 

mass helps control weight 

and will support energy 

pathways as it is more efficient 

at burning fuel. 

The normal range of 

testosterone varies widely 

with individual biochemical 

differences. When in 

excess, the fearlessness 

often seen in men can turn 

to violence and aggression 

with paranoia type reactions. 

Testosterone production 

is a substantial process 

with many metabolic 

pathways, starting with 

the hypothalamus and 

pituitary in the brain, via 

other hormones, to stimulate 

the testes into action. 

Hormone production 

naturally slows down with 

age and testosterone supplementation 

is used for 

specific medical conditions. 

Synthetic anabolic 

steroid use for growth of 

muscle in various sports 

usually ends sadly. Side 

effects can be huge including 

heart and liver 

damage, impotence and 

loss of libido. 

All hormone health 

is reliant on good nutritional 

wellness. Nutrients 

such as zinc and vitamin 

C may not directly stimulate 

testosterone production, 

however vitamin C 

is essential for the structural 

support of testicular 

tissue, without which it 

could not function properly 

and zinc is required 

to maintain the task of the 

Leydig cells, where testosterone 

is produced, within 

Denise Elliot 

the testes and is a major 

mineral for quality and 

motility of sperm. 

Denise Elliott is a Naturopath, 

Medical Herbalist 

and Beauty Therapist. 

Online survey finds 

support for prescription 

meds ad ban 

Consumer NZ says 

the majority of Kiwis 

questioned in 

a new survey want prescription 

medicine ads 

banned. New Zealand and 

the US are the only two 

countries in the developed 

world that allowed 

direct-to-consumer advertising 

of prescription 

medicines, said Consumer 

NZ head of research 

Jessica Wilson. 

As part of a review 

of the Medicines Act, 

the Ministry of Health 

has been consulting on 

whether the law should 

continue to allow medicine 

advertising. Wilson 

said Consumer NZ will 

be providing the results 

of its research to the 

ministry and Minister of 

Health David Clark. 

“We’ve been calling 

for these ads to be banned 

because they don’t provide 

consumers with 

good information and 

they increase the risk of 

medicines being overpre- 

scribed,” said Wilson. 

Consumer NZ found 

57 percent of Kiwis in its 

survey supported a ban 

on medicine advertising 

in favour of an independent 

health information 

service that could provide 

advice about treatment 

options. The data came 

from a survey of 1001 

New Zealanders, aged 18 

and over, and was carried 

out online in June 2019. 

Just 15 percent 

thought drug advertising 

should continue. 

“Our survey also shows 

many consumers don’t 

think these ads are giving 

them the full picture,” 

said Wilson. 

Scepticism expressed 

Only eight percent 

strongly agreed that medicine 

ads provided unbiased 

and comprehensive 

information about treatment. 

Many said they were 

sceptical about the motivations 

drug companies 

had for advertising. Fifty-nine 

percent strongly 

agreed companies were 

likely to spend the most 

money advertising medicines 

that gave them the 

most profit. 

While most consumers 

had a negative view 

of this advertising, one 

in eight said an ad had 

prompted them to ask 

for a prescription medicine 

from their doctor or 

other health professional. 

Of those, 45 percent got 

the prescription they requested, 

while 21 percent 

received a prescription 

for another medicine. 

Wilson said medicine 

advertising increased the 

risk of unnecessary prescribing. 

“These ads sell the 

promise of a quick fix. 

However, the best option 

isn’t always popping a 

pill. Other treatments or 

lifestyle changes may be 

more effective in some 

cases,” she said. 

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BOOKS 

Fictional angle on elder abuse 

Taupo-based Adrienne Nairn 

launched her novel, The Inheritance 

Thief, in the UK late last year. 

Nairn wishes to 

highlight the fact 

that - although 

unintended and entirely 

unforeseen by the benefactor 

- monetary and 

property gifts can bring 

division to even the best 

of well-bonded families. 

The novel suggests that 

looking to the police or 

the courts for salvation 

in these circumstances is 

fraught with difficulty in 

the UK. And that while the 

position is better in New 

Zealand, care still needs 

to be taken to ensure in 

getting good legal advice. 

The author follows the 

themes of psychological 

and financial elder abuse 

within a family outlined 

in her autobiography, My 

Brother My Enemy, which 

reached No 2 in the Amazon 

best seller list in its 

genre. Nairn hopes the 

new, fictional slant to the 

story will attract more 

readers as she feels the 

subject is a topic rarely 

raised. 

Chris Birt, author of All 

the Commissioner's Men, 

about the Crewe murders 

inquiry, helped Nairn 

write her autobiography, 

and she employed ghostwriter, 

Maria de Jong of 

Life Stories to aid her in 

producing her novel. 

Set in England and 

New Zealand, The Inheritance 

Thief tells the story 

of a daughter - Cathy 

- setting out to uncover 

the truth behind the disappearance 

of her stepmother's 

fortune. Cathy 

tries to understand how 

she was virtually ostracised 

and criminalised by 

her once close family following 

a minor spat and a 

disclosed secret. 

Cathy slowly pieces together 

evidence of stepbrother 

Alex's actions. She 

discovers how this highly 

intelligent and powerful 

adversary, once in the 

SAS and now working for 

the police, manages to 

convince public body employees 

and relations that 

his intentions towards his 

stepmother were honourable. 

Evidence is revealed in 

the novel of psychological 

and financial elder abuse, 

not only of her step mother, 

but of Cathy’s own 

mother. It seems her only 

recourse will be to take 

the matter to court. But 

she faces the quandrary 

of whether she should risk 

her own family money for 

what can usually turn out 

to be an expensive business 

with the result sometimes 

resting on the whim 

of a judge. 

Adrienne was in contact 

during her research 

into her books with the 

Hon. Jo Goodhew, the 

former Minister for Senior 

Citizens, who outlined 

how this country has 

W 

Adrienne Nairn 

already gone further than 

the UK, by ensuring citizens 

granting Enduring 

Powers of Attorney must 

obtain separate legal advice. 

Goodhew's letter is reproduced 

as an Appendix 

in The Inheritance Thief 

to give potential victims 

advice and who to turn to 

if they experience problems. 

Nairn has spoken 

to groups in Taupo and 

Auckland about the subject 

including Probus, 

U3A, the National Party 

(Women's Section), Grey 

Power and a number of 

retirement homes. She 

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hopes her books will provoke 

debate and discussion 

to help potential victims 

of elder abuse in all 

forms. 

Colin Cox is not your usual farmer. He’s 

had an adventurous, amazing life and over the 

years has been featured in numerous radio and 

press interviews. Along with the late Sir Peter 

Elworthy he was an early pioneer in deer 

farming and helped set up the possum fur 

industry in New Zealand. 

It was not until around 2002 at the 

age of 60 that he realised the unique 

feature of possum fur –that it is 

hollow and thus able to trap heat. 

Bearing this in mind Colin began a 

series of tests and over the next few 

years learned that specially treated 

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skin of a person’s lower back, has 

the effect of taking away pain to 

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The real breakthrough came in 2011 when, 

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Brian Smith, now retired and living in 

Wanganui says “As I am a keen gardener I 

frequently use the belt which enables me to 

work without back pain. It has become an 

essential part of my life. I am just 86 years 

young!” 

Both books are available direct from Nairn 

or any good bookshop. Contact details are 

adrienne_nairn@yahoo.com. Telephone 07 376 5200. 

Or Age Concern Auckland ageconcern@ageconak.org.nz. 

Telephone 09 820 0184. 

The books are priced at for $15 each. P&P $4. Age 

Concern will receive a donation of $5 per book sold. 

Isapeli Aholelei from Auckland suffered 

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22 


Making rural New 

Zealand age-friendly 

Research from the AUT Centre for Active Ageing 

has added the voice of a sample of rural-dwelling 

“oldest-old” to existing recommendations for 

age-friendly communities. 

Focusing on rural communities: Professor Stephen Neville. Photo/Supplied. 

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A 

study led by Professor Stephen 

Neville at Auckland University 

of Technology (AUT) looked at 

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ability to remain socially engaged in a 

small rural community. The study is the 

first of its kind to examine New Zealand’s 

rural-dwelling oldest-old. The findings 

were published in the International Journal 

of Qualitative Studies on Health and 

Wellbeing. 

“Age-friendly initiatives are relatively 

recent in New Zealand and almost entirely 

focused on urban areas, yet rural communities 

are typically older,” said Professor 

Neville. 

“This research has added the voice of 

oldest-old people living rurally to existing 

recommendations for the development of 

age-friendly communities. Policymakers 

and planners will find this information 

useful as they consider how to adapt as 

the population grows older.” 

Environmental gerontology seeks to 

optimise the relationship between ageing 

people and their environment. Professor 

Neville said the study was particularly 

relevant as the government moves 

to finalise the Better Later Life strategy 

for an ageing population, and Auckland 

Council drafts an age-friendly action plan 

in a bid for membership of the World 

Health Organisation’s Global Network of 

Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. 

In New Zealand, it is estimated that 

there will be one million seniors within 

the next decade. By 2034, a quarter of 

the population (1.2 million) will be aged 

65-plus. Those aged 85 years and older 

are the fastest growing aged adult group, 

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in their communities. 

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between physical and social environments. 

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rurally,” said Professor Neville. 

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Ageing in place 

Both the physical and social environments 

should also enable older people to 

successfully age in place, he said. Ageing 

in place refers to a person’s ability to remain 

living in their own home and community 

– safely, independently and comfortably 

– regardless of age. It is a central 

tenet of government initiatives in several 

countries, but one that relies on communities 

being appropriate places for older 

people to age. 

Researchers interviewed 15 participants, 

aged 85 years plus, living independently 

in a small rural area. Two key 

themes emerged from the conversations. 

1) Negotiating the physical environment: 

Getting there and 

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The first theme emphasises that transport 

is essential to older people being 

able to engage with their community. The 

study reveals a heavy reliance on driving 

in the small rural area, due in part to 

limited public transport and participants 

having difficulty getting on and off the 

bus. The most common mode of transport 

was a privately-owned vehicle. 

The group agreed that driving was 

Continued on page 23

Negotiating the environment. Photo/123RF 

An enabling physical 

environment is essential 

to support the social 

participation of people 

aged 85 years living 

rurally. 

From page 22 

central to being able to successfully age in 

place and the thought of not being able to 

drive in the future was a major concern. 

One participant noted that she would 

have to move if she couldn’t get around 

by herself. “I’d probably move closer to 

my children and live in a retirement village,” 

she said. 

The dynamics of traffic flow can make 

it difficult for older people to navigate 

the physical environment. A particularly 

complex intersection at one end of the 

main street was identified as a physical 

barrier, whether participants were driving 

or walking, forcing many of them to 

take a longer alternative route. 

Issues with parking, including the lack 

of spaces close to amenities and short 

time limits, were problematic for several 

participants, interfering with essential 

errands and their ability to engage with 

the community. The group primarily 

moved around the community at times 

when parking was easy to obtain, with 

the exception of those that held a mobility 

parking permit. 

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2) Maintaining social networks: 

Places to go, people to see 

The second theme relates to the social 

environment – (the collective social and 

cultural institutions, patterns and processes 

that influence the life of an individual 

or community). 

The study shows that most participants 

had developed enduring and satisfying 

social networks, as well as being 

actively involved in local organisations, 

and felt connected to their community. 

Family, friends and neighbours played 

a vital role in enabling them to remain 

socially engaged. However, while the importance 

of family was acknowledged, an 

established network of friends and neighbours 

was more highly regarded. 

Maintaining friendships was an important 

factor in deciding where to live. 

Social networks of friends, rather than 

family, have been shown to contribute 

to resilience in older people. One participant 

noted that, when you get older, 

friends are what matter. “Family is 

nice, but they are all busy. Your friends 

are your age and you understand one 

another,” she said. 

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24 


Watch out 

for quacks 

OPINION 

While most seniors are now aware 

of the many scammers and cheats 

on social media who attempt to rob 

us with an increasingly sophisticated 

range of confidence tricks, some of 

the oldest tricks are still around. 

BY TOM O'CONNOR 

Of the many professional 

groups in 

society, there are a 

small number we have, by 

tradition at least, learned 

to unreservedly trust. 

Among them are lawyers, 

police, school teachers 

and medical professionals. 

That trust is not universal 

but, when we look for 

someone to draw a raffle, 

witness a signature, give 

advice or take the lead in 

Safe mobile 

lifestyle 

community matters, most 

of us tend to look to these 

people first. 

Such is their importance 

to society that there 

are disciplinary bodies to 

intervene when that trust 

is betrayed. Two such 

bodies are the Health 

Practitioners Disciplinary 

Tribunal and the Medical 

Council and we have 

equally high expectations 

of them also. 

“When people become frightened, 

by terminal illness or some other 

traumatic development, they 

are particularly vulnerable to 

exploitation by self- proclaimed 

miracle workers or those claiming 

to have special abilities not 

recognised by mainstream medical 

professionals.” 

Recently the tribunal 

imposed one if its most 

severe penalties on a medical 

professional when 

American Dr Mitchell 

Dean Feller was formally 

censured, struck off the 

register of New Zealand 

General Practitioners, 

fined $5000, and ordered 

to pay $56,100 in costs. 

His offence was peddling 

an untested concoction his 

company PureCure called 

Te Kiri Gold, with claims 

it could kill cancer cells. 

He was apparently back 

in US and did not attend 

the hearing. Bottles of the 

stuff, which turned out to 

be little more than chlorinated 

water, were sold to 

cancer sufferers for $50 a 

litre. 

It was not the first time 

Dr Feller found himself 

in trouble with medical 

authorities. He was publicly 

reprimanded in 2005 

by authorities in US after 

misusing prescription 

drugs and ordered to pay 

$US10, 000 plus costs and 

restrictions were added to 

his medical licence. That 

should have set alarm bells 

clanging when he applied 

to practice in New Zealand 

but he seemed to have 

slipped under the radar… 

but not for long. 

His medical registration 

was revoked in August 

2014 by the Medical Council 

of New Zealand when 

he was working at the 

Opunake Medical Centre 

and lost his job there but it 

was renewed two months 

later when he started work 

at the Mountainview Medical 

Centre but the South 

Taranaki practice suddenly 

in April last year in a 

dispute with Immigration 

New Zealand. 

Preying on the vulnerable 

Te Kiri Gold appears to be 

just one more in a long list 

of quack concoctions cleverly 

designed to relieve 

desperately ill people of 

their anxiety and money. 

Many of these so called 

remedies or therapies are 

designed to target vulnerable 

people with all manner 

of real or imagined 

maladies. Many of the 

makers and sellers of these 

products are little more 

than cheats, charlatans or 

so called snake oil merchants. 

When people become 

frightened, by terminal 

illness or some other 

traumatic development, 

they are particularly vulnerable 

to exploitation by 

self- proclaimed miracle 

workers or those claiming 

to have special abilities not 

recognised by mainstream 

medical professionals. 

Some of these people are 

genuine in their beliefs 

and have no other motive 

than to help distressed 

people. Even the placebo 

effect can be better than 

nothing for those who face 

imminent death and can 

find help nowhere else. 

Others, however, are sinister 

liars who seek only 

to relieve people of their 

money or gain power and 

control over others to 

satisfy their ego. And it 

is very difficult to tell the 

genuine believers from the 

hoaxers. 

But there are a number 

of clear signs, for 

those who choose to look 

for them, that some of 

these so-called therapies 

should be treated 

with caution. The first 

is if they are presented 

as natural, pure, organic 

or under the mantle of 

some form of church or 

religious group. The tactic 

has been with us for a 

very long time from the 

days when holy water was 

sprinkled on anything 

and anyone to deal with 

almost every imaginable 

misadventure. The second 

sign is if they come 

without the endorsement 

of the medical profession 

or even evidence of the 

efficacy of the product, 

but the endorsement of a 

well-known celebrity. 

That is what we have 

the Health Practitioners 

Disciplinary Tribunal 

and Medical Council of 

New Zealand for. Which 

begs the question why 

did it take so long to deal 

with this latest betrayal 

of trust and why was 

Dr Feller ever allowed to 

practice in New Zealand 

to start with? The public 

and all the other honest 

and dedicated medical 

professionals have a right 

to expect swifter and 

more decisive action from 

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• The manager’s experience is crucial. 

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26 


LOBBY REPORT 2019 – PART 2 

What did the Ministers and Opposition Party say on the 

issues of health and care of older people? 

ORAL HEALTH CARE FOR 

VULNERABLE OLDER PEOPLE 

Response from Hon D. Clark 

Minister of Health: 

“I acknowledge your concern about 

dental care for older people. I appreciate 

that cost can be a barrier to some 

New Zealanders requiring dental care. 

As you will be aware, currently government 

funding of community oral health 

services focuses on universal services 

for children and adolescents, as evidence 

suggests that oral health status 

at age five predicts oral health status 

as an adult. The Government wants to 

provide the best start in life for children 

and provides publicly funded oral 

health services for children and adolescents 

up to their 18th birthday. 

As you know, Work and Income also 

provides some financial assistance for 

adults on low incomes who require 

urgent dental work. People can check 

their eligibility for this assistance by 

contacting Work and Income on freephone 

0800 559 009. 

Since 2010, the Ministry of Health has 

contracted the New Zealand Dental Association 

to provide oral health training 

workshops for caregivers of older 

people in residential care. To date, 

approximately 4000 carers have been 

trained at these workshops. In 2017/18 

and 2018/19, an expanded programme 

of up to 40 training workshops per annum 

is being offered throughout New 

Zealand, at no cost to participants. 

This helps to address the oral health 

actions in the Healthy Ageing Strategy. 

The workshops are delivered by dental 

health professionals with an interest 

in the oral health of older people and 

the content is based on the published 

resource, Healthy Mouth, Healthy Ageing: 

Oral Health Guide for Caregivers 

of Older People, available on the Ministry’s 

website (www.health.govt.nz).” 

Grey Power comment - it is disappointing 

that Grey Power’s short-term 

recommendation that community service 

card holders be provided with 

subsidised oral health care is not being 

ate for Grey Power Members the pricing. 

considered by the government 

Response from Hon M. Barry 

– National Seniors’ Spokesperson: 

“From our ‘Have Your Say – Seniors’ 

survey findings, dental services were 

the no.1 priority extracted from responses 

as needing improvement. More 

than half the respondents listed dental 

services as concerning, and the issue is 

one of eight on the list for new policies 

to improve the quality of life for older 

New Zealanders. 

Last year, Otago University researchers 

surveying the oral health of 

987 people living in aged residential 

care found that those with dementia 

and older men in general have dirtier 

and more decayed teeth. 

The research team called oral health 

in frail older groups ‘an urgent clinical 

problem’ and a ‘geriatric giant’ predominantly 

caused by higher rates of cognitive 

and physical impairments found 

among older Kiwis. 

Of those surveyed, half had severely 

impacted cognitive function and more 

than a third required fillings or extractions. 

Greater rates of tooth decay 

can lead to dental and facial infections, 

poorer quality of life, malnutrition and 

communication difficulties. 

However, even the most cognitively 

impaired participants were able to be 

examined easily, and regular route removal 

of oral debris by carers is not a 

difficult task.” 

Grey Power comment - it is interesting 

to note that the National Party’s 

survey found that more than half their 

survey respondents were concerned 

about dental services. The issue needs 

a much higher priority than it receives 

at present 

IMPLEMENTATION OF 

BOWEL CANCER SCREENING 

NATIONWIDE 



“You will be aware that the National 

Bowel Screening Programme (NBSP) 

is a complex implementation project 

across a number of organisations, 

which is being managed with an incremental 

roll-out across New Zealand 

to ensure the delivery of a quality and 

clinically safe programme. To date, the 

NBSP is available in eight DHB regions 

(Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Waitemata, 

David Clark. Photo/Supplied 

Southern, Counties Manukau, Nelson 

Marlborough, Hawkes Bay and Lakes), 

and will be available throughout New 

Zealand by June 2021. The eligible 

population for bowel screening is those 

aged 60-74. 

Currently there are no commitments 

to extend the age limits of the NBSP. 

However, as with any screening programme, 

the Ministry continues to review 

clinical evidence to ensure that the 

programme is delivering optimal health 

outcomes for its participants. A key focus 

is to ensure that the outcomes remain 

equitable for all participants, and 

in particular for priority populations. 

Please encourage your members who 

are eligible to participate in the NBSP 

to do so, so that we can work together 

to reduce bowel cancer mortality 

and morbidity.” 

Response from Hon M. Barry, 

National Party 

“This issue is part of seniors’ ongoing 

concern over preventive healthcare. In 

the Survey, half were concerned about 

cost increases in health causing the most 

strain on New Zealanders, with only less 

than a fifth giving community-based 

care a ‘good’ rating, nearly half giving 

primary healthcare (GPs) a ‘good’ rating 

and just a third the thumbs up for 

hospitals (DHBs). Of most concern are 

the ‘poor’ ratings for GPs, hospitals and 

community-based care. 

• Around 3000 Kiwis are diagnosed 

with bowel cancer each year, and 

more screening will save lives. 

• This is why National’s policy on bowel 

cancer screening includes rolling out 

a large programme, with 700,000 

people aged between 60 and 74 getting 

screened every two years.” 

MACULAR DEGENERATION 

AND THE PROVISION OF FREE, 

Maggie Barry. Photo/Supplied 

TIMELY SCREENING AND 

TREATMENT 



“In relation to your concern on macular 

degeneration screening, the Ministry 

continues to scope a free annual health 

check, including an eye check, for Super- 

Gold card holders.” 



“Age-related macular degeneration 

(AMD) is the leading cause of visual loss 

in individuals older than 50 years in 

New Zealand, as it is for the developed 

world as a whole. 

Forty-nine percent of blind registrations 

in New Zealand are for AMD, according 

to the Blind Foundation. 

The prevalence of any AMD was estimated 

to be present in 218,987 people in 

New Zealand in 2016, of which an estimated 

199,140 cases were of early AMD 

(people at risk of developing vision loss 

from AMD). 

Some 7.6 percent of people with any 

AMD in New Zealand have vision loss 

from it, an estimated 19,825 New Zealanders 

in 2016, of which around 24 percent 

are cases of blindness. The overall 

prevalence of vision loss from AMD represents 

1.1 percent of all people who are 

45 years or older. 

AMD has been projected to increase 

by more than 13 percent between 2014 

and 2026. 

National is committed to early identification 

and intervention to prevent 

sight damage and loss from AMD.” 

CATARACT TREATMENT AND 

THE PROVISION OF FREE, 


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Glenn Henry set 

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He has been involved 

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the roof of a filter manufacturer, 

who suggested he 

consider focusing on the 

filter replacement and heat 

pump cleaning side of the 

business. 

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Glenn notes that HRVtype 

systems - which are 

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replaced on average every 

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“If you don’t replace 

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“It works too hard, 

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Wall-mounted heat 

pumps, which recycle all 

the air in a home (with both 

heating and/or cooling options), 

have primary filters, 

which the home owner or 

occupier is recommended 

to clean on a monthly basis. 

But over about a twoyear 

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cores of a heat pump build 

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and can grow a lot of mould 

which is then recycled into 

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“You need to physically 

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then we use a specially 

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“The efficiency of the 

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From page 26 

TIMELY TREATMENT FOR ALL 

THOSE AGED 65 YEARS AND 

OVER 



“In regard to your note on cataract 

treatment, age is not an acceptable 

stand-alone criterion for prioritisation 

tools, as this is prohibited under 

the Human Rights Act 1993, 21 (1 )(i). 

Where surgery is the best option for the 

patient, it is a requirement that all patients 

who are put forward for elective 

surgery are prioritised on a nationally 

approved tool. I am advised that there 

is no distinction in the national cataract 

prioritisation tool based on age. 

Elective procedures are available 

in the public health system at no cost 

to people who meet the treatment and 

eligibility criteria. When a patient is 

placed on the public waiting list for 

surgery, the Government expects the 

DHB to provide the surgery within 

four months. 

However, DHBs prioritise all referrals 

based on a patient’s level of 

need and ability to benefit from the 

treatment, and it is possible for patients 

to receive treatment sooner than 

four months.” 



“Few ailments in life are more fearful 

and restrictive than a loss of clear 

vision. The ability to read, drive a car 

or even walk are easily taken away, 

and the list of people waiting for cataract 

surgery is far too long. Many 

wait longer in some health board districts, 

as the thresholds of need dictate 

whether a patient gets onto the list for 

ophthalmology surgery. 

The only other option is private surgery, 

which costs around $4000 and 

takes about 20 minutes. 

Elective surgery offers life-changing 

operations such as cataract procedures, 

joint replacements, cancerous skin lesions 

and cardiac surgery. 

National’s policy says it will continue 

to provide more elective surgeries and 

first specialist assessments; ensure patients 

are seen by specialists within four 

months of referral; and receive operations 

within four months of booking.” 

GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES 

FOR ALL PHARMACEUTICAL 

MEDICATION PRESCRIBED BY A 

DOCTOR TO THOSE RECEIVING 

NEW ZEALAND GOVERNMENT 

SUPERANNUATION 



“Currently, everyone who is eligible for 

publicly funded health and disability 

services should, in most circumstances, 

pay a $5 pharmaceutical co-payment. 

The rest of the cost of the medicine 

is met by the Government. A higher 

co-payment of $15 applies to medicines 

prescribed by dentists and private specialists. 

This is because private health 

services are not covered by DHB funding. 

In most cases, the patient will need 

to contribute something towards the 

cost of their medicines. 

As you are aware, PHARMAC is responsible 

for deciding which medicines 

are funded. However, some medicines 

are not fully subsidised by PHARMAC. 

In such cases the medicine will carry a 

part-charge, to cover the difference between 

the cost of the medicine and the 

level of subsidy. Some medicines (or 

brands of medicines) are not funded by 

PHARMAC; in these cases the full cost 

of the medicine must be paid by the patient. 

For older people who are high users 

of health services, their general practice 

should advise them that once they 

collect 20 new subsidised prescription 

items in a year that they are eligible for 

the Prescription Subsidy. This subsidy 

allows that they will not have to pay any 

more prescription co-payments until 1 

February the following year.” 



“Healthcare is a priority from the Survey, 

with nearly half concerned about 

the cost increases. Many are calling 

for cheaper doctors’ visits, and National’s 

policy includes making it easier for 

600,000 low-income Kiwis to visit their 

GP before a condition deteriorates. 

National’s policy includes cheap 

prescriptions through the Community 

Services Card, and free emergency 

dental care.” 

OLDER PEOPLE’S MENTAL 

HEALTH, INCLUDING ELDER 

SUICIDE 

Response from Hon D. Clark Minister of 

Health: 

“The Government recognises the need 

for stronger suicide prevention as a 

key priority area. Reasons for contemplating 

suicide and suicide attempts 

are complex, and there is usually more 

than one reason which drives people 

to this point of distress. We know that 

good assessment of the elderly for mental 

illness or addiction is one key factor 

in addressing suicide. We also know 

that there can be many circumstances 

in someone’s personal life which contribute 

to distress. These include loss 

of employment or retirement, poverty, 

loneliness, loss of one’s sense of identity 

or purpose, not being needed and 

poor housing, all of which are unfortunately 

common experiences among the 

elderly population. 

Some of these issues have been 

raised in He Ara Oranga, the Report 

of the Inquiry into Mental Health and 

Addiction, and recommendations made 

from this will be addressed as part of 

the wider mental health and addiction 

system transformation. Future changes 

to mental health and addiction services, 

which includes services for older 

people, will be guided by the Inquiry’s 

findings and recommendations. 

On 29 May 2019, the Government 

publicly responded to the He Ara Oranga 

and accepted, accepted in principle, 

or agreed to further consideration of 38 

of its 40 recommendations. Work has 

begun to: 

• Complete a national suicide prevention 

strategy and plan, and establish 

a suicide prevention office. 

• Reform the Mental Health (Compulsory 

Assessment and Treatment) Act 

1992. 

• Establish a Mental Health and Wellbeing 

Commission. 

It is important that the voice of the 

older population is represented in future 

suicide prevention work, and I 

appreciate you taking the time to share 

your concerns.” 

Grey Power comment – it is heartening 

to note that the Minister believes 

that the older person’s voice should be 

represented in suicide prevention work, 

because we did not see much input in 

He Ara Oranga 


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From page 27 



Suicide rate 

“This topic is a major concern in the Seniors 

survey – in fact, a recent University 

of Auckland survey found that: 

• Between 2008 and 2017, 32 per 

100,000 men aged 85 and more 

committed suicide. 

• People older than 65 are more likely 

to report physical illness as a stressor, 

have a history of depression and 

be diagnosed with depression at the 

time of their self-harming. 

• Older people are more likely to selfharm 

with suicidal intent, their suicide 

more likely to be fatal and 82 

percent happen at home. 

• No Maori detected in senior group. 

• Issues currently causing concern are 

elder abuse, neglect was a worry, and 

loneliness. 

• National treats funding for mental 

health as a priority, and during its 

last term increased funding from 

$1.1 billion to more than $1.4 billion. 

This included a new $100 million 

social investment funding that supports 

new proposals to tackle mental 

health issues. 

Undiagnosed and untreated depression 

• As above, the NZ Medical Council 

says there is evidence that older 

people who kill themselves are 

more likely than younger people to 

have major depression at the time of 

death. 

• Reviewing coroners’ files found 

that commonly, in cases of late 

life suicide, circumstances (physical 

illnesses or distressing situations) 

appeared to have precipitated 

suicidal feelings. 

• Increased attention to health and 

welfare needs and to feelings of emotional 

deprivation among older and/ 

or disabled people may have reduced 

suicide risk. 

• Expansion of health services organised 

specifically for elderly people 

with physical problems (such as pain, 

breathlessness and fatigue) and for 

people requiring palliative care may 

well have reduced the hopelessness 

that can precipitate suicide. Reports 

suggest that health workers and interventionists 

are better trained and 

able these days to provide appropriate 

help, whether biological, psychological 

or environmental, thus helping 

to maintain self-esteem. 

• The low suicide rate among older 

Māori has been attributed to their 

feeling more valued and being given 

more meaningful roles and status 

than non-indigenous older New Zealand 

people. 

Society’s reaction to elder suicide 

• Our understanding of mental health 

and addiction issues has evolved in 

recent times, and the focus of mental 

health has moved from deinstitutionalisation 

to de-stigmatisation. 

We are now moving towards an emphasis 

on mental wellness, resilience 

and new ways of providing access to 

health services. 

• National launched in its last term a 

new and modern mental health and 

addiction approach, supported by 

$224m in funding.” 

TRAVEL ALLOWANCE FOR 

CARERS RE THE RATE TO BE 

INCREASED TO THE CURRENT 

IRD RATE OF 73 CENTS PER KM 

FROM THE CURRENT RATE OF 

50 CENTS PER KM 

Response from the Hon J Salesa, 

Associate Minister of Health 

“I note your recommendation that the 

rate for travel allowance for carers be 

increased to $0.73 per km. Home and 

Community Support workers are highly 

valued in supporting older people to 

live in their community. At this time, 

the Ministry has informed me that an 

increase in the mileage rate isn’t affordable. 

It is something that will be 

reviewed again in May 2020. 

I know that this is disappointing. 

However, it’s important to note that approximately 

$160m per annum of additional 

funding has gone into home and 

community support workers’ wages 

since the implementation of In Between 

Travel & Pay Equity settlements. 



Travel allowance for carers 

“According to Work and Income, a Disability 

Allowance helps to pay for extra 

costs relating to medical and health 

needs, household running, garden 

maintenance, equipment and supplies, 

and travel for health reasons.” 

UTILISATION OF THE INTERRAI 

ASSESSMENT INSTRUMENT 

A request that a mandated six-monthly 

review of the interRai assessment 

of home care occurs, the same as rest 

homes, and that the DHB NASC should 

provide the level of care as assessed on 

a case-mix basis over the whole country. 

The NASC should not be able to 

reduce care hours if no interRAI assessment 

has been done. NB - the initial 

home care assessment does not appear 

to have a follow up procedure. 

Response from the Hon J Salesa, 

Associate Minister of Health: 

“In regards to your suggestions around 

the interRAl assessment, support 

provided to individuals is based on 

assessed needs. If needs change, as 

identified through assessment and reassessment, 

the provided support will 

also change. 

I am advised that the Ministry is 

aware that currently most DHBs require 

an annual re-assessment of all 

those in receipt of Home and Community 

Support Services. Many DHBs 

also require contact assessments to 

take place during the year to check for 

changes in condition. If care workers 

identify changes in the condition of an 

individual, these are communicated to 

care providers who may then undertake 

a detailed reassessment. At this time, 

there are no plans to introduce a mandate 

for six-monthly interRAl home 

care assessments. Home Care Administration 

across the Country. 

You may be interested to know 

that the Ministry, in partnership with 

DHBs, is developing a National Framework 

for home and community support. 

This National Framework is expected 

to be finalised and approved in 

July 2019. This work has identified the 

need to establish a consistent case-mix 

system across the country. A consistent 

and agreed case-mix methodology for 

use across all DHBs will consequently 

be developed. I understand this work is 

currently being planned, with the aim 

of having an agreed approach ready for 


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Serving suggestion


STAYING SAFE 

a refresher workshop for senior road users 

Have fun and brush up on ways to maintain your mobility 

and independence. 

Staying Safe is a free classroom-based 

refresher workshop designed for all senior road 

users aged 70 and over. 

The aim of this workshop is to: 

• help you to maintain and improve your safe 

driving practices 

• give you information about other transport 

options available when driving is no longer 

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You can take a self-assessment quiz, watch 

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your safety on the road at 

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Why not visit today?

30 



From page 28 

implementation during 

the 2021/22 financial 

year. 

Response from Hon M. 

Barry, National Party 

“This was developed by 

InterRAI International, 

a collaborative of health 

researchers in more 

than 30 countries, and 

offers a comprehensive 

clinical assessment or 

medical, rehabilitation 

and support needs 

and abilities such as 

mobility and self-care. 

All district health boards 

(DHBs) have been using 

interRAI for assessing 

older people’s needs for 

home and community 

support services since 

2012, and since July 

2015 interRAI in aged 

residential care. Each 

year, more than 100,000 

interRAI assessments are 

completed throughout 

New Zealand. Data 

from these assessments, 

once anonymised and 

aggregated, is a source 

of information for 

health policy makers, 

health care professionals 

and researchers.” 

CHANGE ADMINIS- 

TRATION OF HOME 

CARE CONTRACT- 

ING TO CONSIS- 

TENT AUDITING 

NELSON & SUSAN 

ELLIOTT 

FUNERALS 

AND MONITORING 

ACROSS THE COUN- 

TRY, 

so that there is a case-mix 

system across the whole 

country and that the administration 

be removed 

from the District Health 

Boards. 

No response to this. 

THAT THE 

SUBSTANTIAL FEE 

INCREASES FOR 

NON-SUBSIDISED 

RESIDENTS IN 

REST HOMES 

AND HOSPITALS 

OVER THE ASSET 

THRESHOLD 

OF $225,000 BE 

REVIEWED BY 

A MINISTERIAL 

INQUIRY. 

Response from the Hon J 

Salesa, Associate Minister 

of Health 

“I can assure you that 

aged residential care is 

an area of focus for our 

Government. The fee increases 

for residents with 

assets beyond $225,000 

have taken place following 

an increase in the 

amount paid to providers 

for rest home care, which 

is an outcome of paying 

higher wages to care 

workers. Minimum care 

worker wage rates are set 

in the Care and Support 

Workers (Pay Equity) 

Settlement Act 2017. This 

Act corrects the historical 

undervaluation of care 

worker wages. 

Residents with assets 

over the threshold pay 

the rest home price as required 

by the Residential 

Care and Disability Support 

Services Act 2018. 

The approach underlying 

the means assessment 

in this legislation is that 

people who can afford 

to support themselves 

should do so. 

I am advised that rest 

homes are permitted to 

charge more than the rest 

home price for premium 

accommodation, but 

they must give residents 

a choice of rooms without 

an additional charge. 

The circumstances when 

additional charges are 

permitted are outlined 

in a document on the 

DHB Technical Advisory 

Services website 

(www.tas.health.govt.nz) 

by searching ‘premium 

room service charges’.” 



Substantial fee increases 

for non-subsidised 

residents in rest homes 

and hospitals over the 

threshold be reviewed. 

“The price residents in 

aged care facilities with 

assets above the threshold 

pay was increased by 

an average of 9.9 percent 

on 1 July 2017. The majority 

of this increase was 

a result of the Care and 

Support Worker (Pay 

Equity) Settlement. At 

that time, 11,070 aged 

care residents with assets 

over the threshold 

were required to pay the 

maximum contribution 

towards the cost of their 

care. This was set in legislation 

and equal to the 

rest home price, which 

from 1 July 2017 was in a 

range of $974 and $1063 

a week depending on 

their location. 

The increase arising 

from the impact of the 

pay equity settlement 

was $74 a week (including 

GST). Including the 

annual price increase of 

1.8 percent for general 

cost pressures, the total 

increase was between 

$89.88 and $91.42 a 

week depending on a resident’s 

location (including 

GST). At the time, the 

Ministry of Health recognised 

this was a significant 

increase, however it 

addressed a historic undervaluation 

of care and 

support work. 

EXTENSION OF THE 

AVAILABILITY FOR 

RESPITE CARE FOR 

THOSE LIVING AT 

HOME ALONE - Grey 

Power recommends 

that all District Health 

Boards ensure that they 

either purchase from 

ARC facilities or provide 

sufficient respite care 

beds so that the needs for 

respite care is fully met 

Response from the Hon J 

Salesa, Associate Minister 

of Health 

“As you are aware, DHBs 

are responsible for the 

planning and funding 

of respite services within 

their districts to meet 

the needs of their local 

population. As such, 

the types of respite care 

available can vary between 

districts. The 

Ministry is aware that 

in some districts, people 

living alone may be able 

to access DHB-funded 

respite care in an aged 

residential care facility. 

However, I acknowledge 

that this does not fall under 

the generally accepted 

definition of respite 

care, which is to give the 

carer a break, and I am 

advised that the Ministry 

will consider this issue as 

part of its ongoing work 

on respite care.” 



None 


A legacy to a make a difference 

70 x 78 mm 

Do you hope for a 

community where 

children feel safe 

and able to be nurtured to 

fulfil their potential? Do 

you want to ensure there 

is genuine companionship 

and care available for older 

people? 

A gift to Presbyterian 

Support in your Will (a bequest) 

can make a real difference 

to the lives of others, 

and the future needs 

of those who live in your 

community. 

Donald and Margaret 

Malcolm had a strong relationship 

with Presbyterian 

Support, where they lived 

in Otago, over many years. 

Margy-Jean, their daughter, 

captured the relationship 

her parents had with 

Presbyterian Support: 

Donald was a quietly 

innovative pioneer, 

amongst the first in his 

field as a paediatrician to 

be doing things like establishing 

specialist neo-natal 

care for newborn babies, 

leading child abuse 

prevention initiatives and 

engaging in community-focused 

paediatrics. 

Margaret was a natural 

community builder 

involved in supporting 

strong neighbourhood 

connections wherever we 

lived, and an active volun- 

teer in numerous church 

and voluntary organisation 

initiatives. 

We therefore feel that it 

would be very appropriate 

if their legacy was able to 

support the Family Works 

team to extend some work 

they wouldn’t have otherwise 

been able to in the 

community development 

space. We would like their 

bequest to help strengthen 

neighbourhood connections, 

enrich children’s 

lives and support parents 

to be the best they can be. 

The Malcolm legacy 

will make a difference and 

a positive impact on the 

lives of the individuals and 

families who are served 

by Presbyterian Support 

in Otago. We are sincerely 

grateful for their support 

and the lasting difference it 

will provide. 

There are a number of 

services offered, and programmes 

run by Family 

Works, under Presbyterian 

Support. These have a lifelong 

impact on the lives of 

the individuals and families 

supported by Presbyterian 

Support. Many of 

these families may be facing 

a range of social and life 

challenges and a friendly 

helping hand makes a 

world of difference. 

Tessa*, a Family Works 

client, said, “Keep doing 

what you’re doing. You 

have helped me to see the 

light at the end of the tunnel. 

Thank you for the part 

you have played in making 

a positive difference to my 

family.” 

If you would like to talk 

about how to leave a legacy 

and how you can make a 

difference for families who 

Donald and Margaret Malcolm look through their 65-year-old wedding 

photographs at their anniversary celebration in Dunedin. Photo courtesy of ODT. 

are in your community 

please contact your nearest 

Presbyterian Support 

office.

NZ GREYPOWER MAGAZINE » SEPTEMBER 2019 31

32 


Grey Power CodeWord No. 17 (September 19) 

CROSSWORD 

Complete the crossword. Then rearrange the letters in the shaded squares 

to spell out the Word to the Wise indicated below the grid. 

Grey Power CodeWord No. 17 (Septembe 

Codeword 

Each number in the grid represents a letter of the alphabet. Three 

already been given. Start by filling in these ones, and build the wor 

from there. When you have completed the grid, you will be able to 

Grey coded message. Power CodeWord No. 17 (Septembe 

Each number in the grid represents a letter of the alphabet. Three letters have 

already been given. Start by filling in these ones, and build the words in the 

grid from there. When you have completed the grid, you will be able to solve 

the coded message. 

Each 1 number 2 3 in 4 the 5 grid 6 represents 3 7 a letter 8 of 9 the 4 alphabet. 10 LETTE Three 

already been given. Start by filling in these ones, and build the wor 

11 12 12 11 2 by 13PMH14 

1 2 

Each number in the grid represents a letter of the alphabet. from Three there. letters When you have have completed the grid, you will be able to U 

already been given. Start by filling in these ones, and build coded 15 the 11message. 

words 16 2in the 14 grid 13 4 14 9 13 17 12 

11 12 

from there. When you have completed the grid, you will be able to solve the 

15 4 17 15 18 19 

coded message. 

1 2 3 4 5 6 3 7 8 9 4 10 LETTE 

Grey Power Crossword No. 17 (September 19) 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 

8 1 2 3 4 59 

6 3 7 8 9 4 10 

11 12 12 11 2 13 14 

10 15 11 16 11 2 14 13 4 14 9 13 17 12 

15 12 4 17 15 18 19 

Grey 3 Power 9 7 11CodeWord 18 9 8 No. 11 14172 (September 11 10 the grid. 

13 14 

19) 

11 11 3 18 11 

15 16 


15 18 2 5 15 10 9 13 5 15 5 13 

already been given. Start by filling in these ones, and build the words in the grid 

from there. When 6 you 12 have completed 11 the 2 grid, you will be 12 able to solve the 

20 


17 18 19 

13 2 15 15 3 11 15 4 5 20 17 4 

21 22 

1 32 3 94 5 11 6 3 57 8 9 18 4 10 4 

11 12 16 12 4 11 12 14 11 4 12 2 1 19 13 12 14 3 9 

23 24 

15 11 2 16 11 2 14 13 4 4 12 14 9 13 17 9 12 20 

3 9 7 11 18 9 8 11 14 2 11 10 

11 12 12 11 2 13 14 

11 11 3 18 11 

15 11 16 2 14 13 4 14 9 13 17 12 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

15 18 5 15 10 9 13 5 15 5 13 

15 U4 17 15 18 19 

11 12 6 13 12 14 15 11 16 17 18 2 19 20 12 

3 9 7 11 18 9 8 11 14 2 11 10 

13 2 15 15 3 11 15 4 5 20 17 4 

11 11 3 18 11 

3 9 11 5 18 4 

15 18 2 5 15 10 9 13 5 15 5 13 

12 16 4 11 14 4 12 1 19 12 3 9 

6 12 11 2 12 

2 11 4 12 9 9 20 

13 2 15 15 3 11 15 4 5 20 17 4 

15 5 10 17 6 18 2 15 11 14 13 11 

3 9 11 5 18 4 

LETTER VALUES 

CODED MESSAGE 

by PMH 

2 11 4 12 9 9 20 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 10 

17 12 

U 

6 11 10 6 18 5 14 20 10 11 4 11 

15 5 10 17 6 18 2 15 11 14 13 11 

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 

15 15 54 10 17 17 6 18 15 2 15 11 18 14 13 19 11 

Word to the to Wise: the Hide Wise: under false appearance (11) 

3 9 7 11 18 9 8 14 2 11 10 CODED MESSAGE 

Hide Across under false appearance Down (11) 

Solution 

17 12 6 11 10 6 18 5 14 20 10 11 4 11 

1. Deceived 11 with cunning (7) 11 1. 3Fall suddenly 18 and clumsily 11 

CODED MESSAGE 

(6) 

5. Venomous snake (5) 

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15 17 18 12 2 65 11 15 10 10 

8. Person who is stingy with 

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Across 

E O O E U C N LETTER VALU 

money (5) 

3. Stone edging between pavement 

Solution on page 50 

1. Deceived with 6 cunning 12 (7) 11 2 12 

9. Tastes appreciatively (7) 

and road (4) 

D E F U N C T N A C H O 

1 2 3 4 

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4. Payments of money from fund (13) Solution 

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(7) 

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8 9 5 E O3 

C N 

7. Hold out against (6) 

E O OE EL UR CE 

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13. Showing curiosity (11) 

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3 1 6 8 

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LETTER 

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4 9 1 3 6 

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C U D D L E D T I G H T 

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15 D 5E curiosity 

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H 

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22. Praises highly (5) 

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23. Lacking ability or strength to 

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24. Administers tranquillisers to (7) strands R (5) E 

U PE OT OE UA 7 6 A 5 

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22. Praises 

17 12highly 6 11(5) 

D R U I D S 10 20. 6A Walk C18with I 5slow D 14 heavy I 20 Csteps 10(4) 

11 D 4 I 11 S H18 14 P 9R 3 

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1 17 12 6 11 

23. Lacking ability or strength to move (5) 

H O P E 

P O E U O CODED MESSAGE 

L A E I R T 

24. Administers tranquillisers to (7) 


17 12 6 11 10 6 18 (09) 5 14 973 5254 20 10 

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3. Stone LETTER VALUES 

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 © 94 Pam 10Hutton 6 52019 

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explain Dadditional 

R B M U L T I P Y V 

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insurance 8 company 7 1 

6. Pushes Reply L A Online: Yout Elower ailnz.co.nz/request 

R lip Apetulantly V E N U(5) 

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11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 

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E O C N D F H A.M. RBest, Bone of the Goldest and most respected insurance 

7. Hold E out against E (6) L R E 

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ratings companies, has rated American Income Life as A+ 

your name, address and contact number.) 

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12. Completely Reply D R By UTelephone: I exhausted D S(09) 973 A5254 

through C I D overwork I C (5-3) 

6 7 

AIL is currently looking for new representatives to service 

association members, send CV to hireme@ailnz.co.nz 

CODED MESSAGE 

AD-109 

14. Arched P structure O carrying E U road or railway O across valley (7) 

7 2 3 1 

15. Traditional C U D D form L Eof DJapanese T I theatre G H T(6) 

17 12 6 11 10 6 18 5 14 20 10 

16. Secret romantic meetings (6) 

L A E I R T 

© Pam Hutton 2019 | www.puzzlebeetle.co.nz 



LETTER VALUES 

12 16 4 11 14 4 12 1 19 12 3 9 

C 

H O P E S P R I N G S 

D 

by PMH 

Complete the crossword. Then rearrange 

the letters in the shaded squares to spell 

C D 

out the Word to the Wise indicated below 

© Pam Hutton 2019 © | Pam www.puzzlebeetle.co.nz 

Hutton 2019 | www.puzzlebeetle.co.nz 

1 2 

U 

11 12

Love the life 

you choose 

When you move into a Summerset 

retirement village, you’re not just moving 

house – you’re joining a vibrant and 

welcoming community where you’ll feel 

completely at home. 

At Summerset we put you at 

the heart of everything we do, 

so you can enjoy the freedom of 

living the life you choose. 

The perfect home is waiting for you at 

Summerset. From villas and townhouses, 

to apartments – you’ll find a place 

to make your own. Our homes are 

accessible, high-quality, and there 

are no worries about maintenance or 

upkeep as we do it all for you. Pets are 

also welcome, and you can even go 

away on holiday knowing your home 

will be safe and secure. We’ll also make 

sure you’re aware of all costs, giving you 

the certainty that there won’t be any 

unexpected surprises. 

When it comes to activities and events, 

there’s always something happening 

to keep our Summerset community 

involved and entertained, and you can 

choose to do as much or as little as 

you like. 

If you need some extra care or support, 

our continuum of care means we’ll be 

there for you as your needs change, 

giving you the peace of mind to continue 

living life to its fullest. 

Over 5,000 residents are already 

enjoying the Summerset life across 

26 villages around New Zealand, 

from Warkworth to Dunedin. If you’re 

interested in Summerset for yourself or 

a family member, stop in at your local 

village and find out more about the 

Summerset life. 

For more information about a 

village near you, call 

0800 SUMMER or visit 

summerset.co.nz 

Visit one 

of our 

26 villages 

nationwide 

We are open 

7 days 

SUM1779

34 



From page 30 

HOME CARE 

– a request that the Minister of Health 

ensures the delivery of home care by 

District Health Boards to be based on 

need as assessed by Home Care Inter 

RAI assessment and that the level of 

care be delivered at the same level by all 

of the 20 District Health Boards 

Response from the Hon J Salesa, Associate 

Minister of Health 

“Regarding your recommendation on 

home care, I am advised that all those 

seeking home based support are required 

to be assessed using the inter- 

RAl comprehensive assessment. This 

assessment method is used throughout 

the country and by all DHBs for older 

people seeking home-based support. 

Assessment is then used to inform the 

development of care plans for each individual. 

There are differences in the range 

of supports that are available to individuals. 

This depends on the individual’s 

potential support from informal carers, 

specific in care plans, and preferences of 

the individuals needing support. 

In addition, DHBs currently use different 

models for allocating resources 

to support care plans, which means that 

there may be variation in services, even 

though assessed needs may be similar. 

A development of a consistent case-mix, 

as described above, will help to reduce 

unintended variation in care across 

DHBs.” 

Response from Hon M. Barry 

None 

AGED CARE 

COMMISSIONER 

Response from the Hon J Salesa, Associate 

Minister of Health 

“The establishment of an Aged Care 

Commissioner is currently under active 

consideration by the Government. This 

includes consideration of ways to improve 

the health and wellbeing of older 

people within residential care and those 

receiving home and community support 

services. 

You will be aware that there is also a 

wide variety of improvement work already 

being undertaken across the sector. 

The Ministry is currently undertaking 

a review of mandatory Health and 

Disability Standards. This is anticipated 

to finish by July 2020. 

The Review offers the opportunity to 

make changes to better reflect contemporary 

practice including in areas of staffing, 

consumer rights and complaints. 

Work is also underway to strengthen the 

complaints framework in aged residential 

care. This is a collaborative piece of 

work, involving the Health and Disability 

Commission, the Ministry, the Health 

Quality and Safety Commission (HQSC), 

DHBs, health service providers, and 

service users, with an aim to make the 

complaints system more accessible and 

transparent for service users and their 

families. Work is also underway with 

HQSC on an aged residential care quality 

improvement programme. 

The Ministry, the New Zealand Nurses 

Organisation, and DHBs are working 

together to improve the recruitment and 

retention of registered nurses, including 

those in the aged residential care sector. 

Work is also being undertaken on the 

National Framework for home and community 

support services, which is due to 

be implemented from 1 July 2019. 

Additionally, in June 2018, the Ombudsman 

was given responsibility to 

monitor the treatment of people detained 

in aged care facilities, such as 

those in secure dementia, or secure psychogeriatric 

units. You can follow updates 

on this work on the Ombudsman’s 

website (www.ombudsman.parliament. 

nz) by searching ‘monitoring places of 

detention’. 

THE ‘HAVE YOUR SAY’ 

CAMPAIGN: 

The Hon M Barry said that in November 

last year, she and National Leader Simon 

Bridges launched the “Have your Say” 

campaign for Seniors as a measure of the 

respect and value they place on senior 

New Zealanders and their views. 

The campaign and its accompanying 

questionnaire are designed to produce a 

“living document”to help build policies 

and plans that we will be able to translate 

quickly into action should National win 

the next election. 

The important findings of the campaign 

(as at February 2019) are: 

1) What is causing the most strain on 

New Zealand families: 

Petrol and transport, rates, food and 

groceries, insurance, power and heating, 

healthcare, increased taxes and 

rent and housing. 

2) Other topics mentioned: 

Community-based care, home-cased 

care, primary healthcare, hospitals, 

Super Gold Card, local police, ACC, 

WINZ, Public transport, Councils. 

3) Issues causing greatest concern: 

Cost of living, elder abuse and neglect, 

loneliness, accessibility and 

mobility, opportunities to work 

and volunteer 

4) Other issues – crime, law and order, 

increased taxes, cost of healthcare, 

mobility issues and increase in cost of 

electricity. 

5) Which are the areas for priority in a 

future National government: 

Dental, access to and services by GPs, 

end of life care and support, homebased 

care, housing choices and 

dementia care. 

6) New policies needed: 

Reducing tax, creating more affordable 

housing, social housing, cheaper 

doctors’ visits, reduce immigration 

and repeal any capital gains 

tax or any increased taxes Labour 

puts on. 

7) Key Issues: 

Increased taxes, spending on core 

public services – including health 

and education, cost of living, education 

and quality of teachers, affordable 

housing, immigration and 

social investment. 

GENERAL GREY POWER 

COMMENT: 

Thanks to the Hon. D. Clark, Hon J. 

Salesa and Hon M. Barry for their 

responses. 

Also please note that the background 

research, Grey Power policy etc. for 

most of the issues above was provided 

in Part 1 of the Lobby Report, which was 

published in the June quarterly Grey 

Power Magazine. 

Jan Pentecost and Mac Welch 

Co-chairs advocacy standing committee 

Breathe Better this Spring 

By Teresa Demetriou, Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ. 

Spring has officially 

sprung, but even as the 

weather warms up we 

need to look after ourselves. 

Asthma has a reputation as 

a childhood disease, but it’s not 

uncommon for people over 65 

to develop asthma symptoms 

for the first time in some circumstances. 

This can be caused 

by pollution, chest infections, 

over exercising, or allergens 

like pollen; spring brings no 

shortage of any of these. 

Asthma can be quite serious 

in older adults, but luckily 

there are ways to minimise the 

risks, and make sure you enjoy 

the season. 

Dry the Damp 

Spring showers will always 

happen, and with extra rain 

comes the possibility of dampness, 

mildew, and mould. 

These can negatively affect 

your breathing, affecting allergies, 

asthma, and even causing 

pneumonia or bronchitis. And 

it’s not just showers that cause 

damp; it’s the drop in temperature 

leading to condensation on 

the inside of the windows that 

can lead to damp and mould 

Drawing the curtains (and 

cleaning them once in a while) 

can be helpful, as can opening 

the windows and letting in 

some fresh air. If that’s not an 

option, air purifiers and dehumidifiers 

are great at making 

sure your home doesn’t get 

damp, and can keep your air 

clean. 

Don’t Mow your Own 

No one likes overgrown lawns, 

but cutting the grass or weeding 

the flowers can cause pollen 

and allergens to exasperate 

breathing troubles. If possible, 

have someone else mow 

your lawn, clean your gutters. 

Speaking of pollen, it can be 

a real pain this time of year, 

irritating your eyes, nose, and 

lungs, making it more difficult 

to breathe. If you really want to 

do it yourself, get a breathing 

mask and protect yourself before 

venturing outdoors, and 

check the pollen count first to 

avoid unnecessary risks. 

Doctor Knows Best 

While it may seem obvious, 

using your inhalers or other 

medications correctly is one 

of the most important things 

to do. Make sure that you get 

you inhaler technique checked 

every time you visit the doctor 

or pick up a new prescription. 

You can limit how much exposure 

you get to allergens and 

triggers, but having a backup 

in case of emergency is always 

a good idea. Make sure you 

take your preventive or symptom 

controller medications as 

prescribed, and carry your reliever 

with you when you leave 

the house. 

If you have questions or 

concerns about your breathing 

being affected by the seasonal 

change, speak to your doctor 

or healthcare provider. 

202670AA

36 


NATIONAL SUPER 

WARNING 

When former Prime Minister Bill English 

indicated, just prior to the last 

general election, that he intended to increase 

the age of entitlement for national 

superannuation to 67 we gave him a 

very clear warning: “don’t mess with 

national super.” 

A few weeks out from that election, 

he nonetheless publicly announced his 

new policy. He gave me personally less 

than an hour’s notice, but at least he 

was courteous enough to do so. He was 

always a courteous man even when we 

disagreed, but the rest, as they say, is 

history. 

Now the current National Party 

leader Simon Bridges wants to 

have another go and the message is 

the same… “don’t”. 

Our concerns were not for people 

currently receiving national superannuation, 

but for those people who will 

be entering their retirement years in 

the next decade or more. We were particularly 

concerned for those people in 

physically demanding jobs. It’s all very 

well to talk about retraining them, but 

the reality is that no matter what qualifications 

people might gain as adults 

no one really wants to employ a newly 

qualified middle aged clerk when there 

will be school leavers available. 

The proposed increase in the residential 

term for immigrants to qualify 

for national superannuation, from 

10 to 20 years is a different matter 

and that is already the policy of other 

political parties. 

It is a bit ironic that the National 

Government stopped paying into the 

superannuation fund from 2008, but 

gave the pension to immigrants after 

only 10 years in New Zealand. And now 

Mr Bridges claims the scheme is unaffordable. 

It is not a gift or a charity. It 

is a pension scheme we all own and pay 

into and many pensioners remain in 

part-time work and pay taxes well into 

retirement. 

Any move to mess with national superannuation 

will bring a major political 

battle like the one which launched 

Grey Power nearly 40 years ago. 

Tom O’Connor 

Immediate past president, Grey Power 

END OF LIFE 

CHOICE BILL 

With David Seymour’s End of Life 

Choice Bill having passed a second 

reading in Parliament, it is now possible 

that the Bill could become law if the 

Epsom MP can gather enough votes to 

ensure that the Bill survives the final 

voting process. 

As a “Conscience vote”, individual 

MPs can vote without the direction 

or influence of the Party Whips or the 

Caucus, a quite unique situation in the 

current MMP Parliament. 

With an older age group within the 

NZ Grey Power organisation, it is important 

that individual members, if 

they have an opinion on the Bill, should 

exercise their democratic right and 

make their local MP aware of their per- 

sonal position on the Bill. Grey Power 

Associations throughout New Zealand 

can also influence the passage of the 

Bill through the use of a membership 

poll, the results being made available to 

the local MP. 

It is quite possible that a considerable 

number of Grey Power members 

will have had personal experience of a 

family member wishing to die – not a 

pleasant situation! 

Bill Stirling 

Grey Power deliberately has no policy 

on this potentially divisive issue and 

has left it as one to be decided on an 

individual choice basis. 

PRIVATE FUNERALS 

A“private funeral has been held”. These 

saddening words have become all-toocommon, 

leaving “non-family” people 

to grieve alone. Whether the wish for 

privacy was based on “I don’t want a 

fuss” or “I don’t want you to be spending 

money on me”, some close friends 

and admirers are going to be hurt 

simply because they have been overlooked 

by the family when they, too, 

are grieving. 

There is an economical and comfortable 

way around this. 

By all means, have the immediate 

family attend a private burial or cremation, 

which is easiest on them in their 

time of most stress. But please follow it 

up, after an interval, with a memorial/ 

celebration service open to all. 

This does not have to be costly, with 

a social time over a simple tea or coffee 

and biscuits. “User Pays” after-service 

functions on licensed premises are 

now common, too, and quite acceptable 

to those wishing to attend and support 

the family. 

Malcolm Potts 

LUNG CANCER 

PETITION 

I hope you are having a successful year 

to date and this includes keeping the coalition 

government on their toes. I am 

taking the opportunity to inform you 

about [the Lung Foundation New Zealand’s] 

advocacy programme, which we 

believe is relevant to your members. 

It has been necessary to prepare a 

comprehensive submission to Pharmac 

regarding NZ’s Biggest Cancer Killer, 

but also launch a petition to help address 

the terrible inequity that exists for 

lung cancer patients and their families 

in this country... many will be members 

of Grey Power. 

Most sad, lung cancer patients in 

New Zealand are being disadvantaged, 

because Pharmac’s funding policy for 

lung cancer treatments is third world 

and it is causing our most vulnerable to 

die prematurely. 

Please see below the link to a petition, 

I have just launched for lung 

cancer. Please help us promote this to 


Go Your Own Way 

Suzuki Ignis GLX NAV 

Living in New Zealand 

we tend to be mindful 

of our environment, 

and being a sensible bunch, 

we’re happy to spend less 

on petrol. So it makes a lot 

of sense for us to downsize 

to vehicles that are more 

practically sized, economical 

and easy to drive. The 

good news is, cars like the 

Suzuki Ignis mean you can 

do it without compromise 

– on the contrary, you may 

discover a surprising number 

of benefits. 

When the funky Suzuki 

Ignis five-door hatchback 

burst onto the scene, it was 

unlike anything. It’s literally 

in a class of its own, a 

super compact SUV. Well 

compact it may be, but 

you’d be surprised at how 

roomy the Ignis feels – and 

the features it manages 

to pack into its distinctive 

shape. 

Ignis’ distinctively designed 

cabin is spacious 

and light with elevated 

seating for excellent visibility. 

This also makes it less 

awkward to get in and out 

of, and provides excellent 

leg and head room. The 

boot is a good size and rear 

seats can be laid flat for golf 

clubs, bowls, big shopping 

trips or awkward items 

from the garden centre. 

Around town Ignis is 

effortless to drive – you 

always feel in complete 

control. Its low weight and 

tight 4.7 metre turning circle 

translate to agility and 

responsiveness, making inner 

city streets and mall car 

parks a breeze. On longer 

trips Ignis cruises beautifully 

and comes standard 

with the kind of comforts 

you’d expect in a luxury 

car; air conditioning with 

pollen filter, cruise control, 

speed limiter, power assisted 

steering, electric windows 

and electrically adjustable 

door mirrors. The 

leather steering wheel is 

tilt adjustable with audio, 

phone and cruise located 

for fingertip control. 

Safety has always been 

a corner-stone of Suzuki’s 

philosophy and Ignis is an 

outstanding example of 

how far the technology has 

come with Suzuki’s Total 

Effective Control technology 

and advanced accident 

avoidance systems. Electronic 

stability programme 

(ESP®) is standard, as is 

ABS with EBD, brake assist, 

six airbags and side 

impact beams. You don’t 

need to know the acronyms 

to know you’re getting topnotch 

tech and peace of 

mind here. 

With Ignis’ light-weight 

frame and zippy 1.2 litre 

DualJet engine, you’ll just 

about forget where the 

petrol station is between 

fill-ups. It’s super-efficient 

at just 4.7-4.9L/100km*. 

To do much better than 

that, you’d need to get out 

and push! 

The Ignis GLX NAV 

model adds even more appeal. 

As well as sporting a 

large 7-inch touchscreen 

infotainment system with 

Android Auto & Apple Car- 

Play, the limited edition 

GLX NAV features an easy 

to use satellite navigation 

system and reversing camera. 

If you’ve never used 

Sat Nav, you don’t know 

what you’re missing. It 

can help you avoid traffic 

snarl-ups, find the nearest 

restaurant or café to 

you, and generally take the 

stress out of finding your 

way around. The reversing 

camera helps you back 

safely without having to 

twist your neck, and provides 

a digital overlay for 

easy reverse parking. 

Despite all the extras 

the Suzuki Ignis GLX NAV 

Manual can be yours for 

just $18,990 plus on road 

costs (that’s your registration 

fees and whatnot) or 

the Ignis GLX NAV Auto 

only $20,990 plus on road 

costs. Also available on no 

deposit finance from just 

$82 per week†. The only 

catch? Being a limited edition 

there’s just a handful 

in the country, so if you’re 

keen, you’d better get into 

your Suzuki dealer quick. 

*ADR 81/02 results for 

combined cycle. Fuel consumption 

will vary due to 

factors such as vehicle condition, 

driving style and 

traffic conditions. 

†Terms and conditions 

apply, see Suzuki.co.nz for 

more information.

Arrived 

• Limited edition Ignis GLX NAV 

• 7-inch touchscreen with Sat Nav 

• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay ® 

• Reverse camera 

• New colours available 

IGNIS GLX NAV MANUAL $18,990 | AUTO $20,990 PLUS ORC. 

*$81.46/week based on Ignis GLX NAV Manual, $18,990 plus ORC, total amount payable $21,261.06, nil deposit 3.9% p.a. fixed interest rate and 5-year term. On payment of on-road 

costs to the Dealer, finance payments include a $300 documentation fee and $10.35 PPSR fee. Offer available 12 August to 30 September 2019 or while stocks last. Normal lending 

and credit criteria apply. Excludes fleet purchases, demo vehicles and all other promotions. www.suzuki.co.nz 

NO DEPOSIT 

$82 

FINANCE 

FROM 

PER WEEK*

38 


People 

Flower power 

goes nationwide 

The benefits of a garden, no matter 

what its size, are many. Physical 

activity, growing food, feeding the 

bees, and pure pleasure. Colour your 

world - or just your own patch of 

neighbourhood - as part of National 

Gardening Week (October 21-28). 

Get planting now to 

ensure some colour 

and texture in 

your garden, or gather a 

group of friends or neighbours 

to work on a joint 

project. 

The call is out to New 

Real Gardens for Real People 

1 st - 10 th 

November 2019 

Zealanders to bring back 

flowers and create a riot of 

colour in gardens for National 

Gardening Week. 

As well as being decorative, 

flowers provide 

food for bees and butterflies. 

They taste good in 

Win a Yates 

National 

Gardening 

Week hamper 

Celebrate National Gardening 

Week with a Yates hamper 

containing everything you need 

to flower-bomb your garden. 

A selection of Yates flower seeds in pretty pastels will deliver a delightful 

colour wave throughout your garden. Nature’s Way Organic seed raising mix 

will supercharge your seeds, encouraging germination and establishing strong 

growth, giving your plants the best possible start in life. 

Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Liquid Plant Food and Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers 

Natural Fish & Seaweed+ are complete liquid fertilisers to boost healthy 

growth and produce large blooms. Both formulations have a dual action, 

feeding through both leaves and roots for fast results. 

If you want to take your garden indoors, Yates Top 50 Indoor Plants is a 

fabulous new book packed with inspirational ideas for creating the hottest 

looks in house plants, plus comprehensive growing tips and tricks and how to 

sort those common indoor plant problems. 

To enter, email your name and address, with YATES in the subject line to 

win@greypowermag.co.nz, or post your entry to Yates Hamper competition, 

Grey Power, PO Box 1425, Hamilton 3240. Entries closes October 12 2019. 

ships, good health, strong 

communities and closer 

connections with nature. 

Whether it’s a few pots on 

the balcony, a small patch 

or an extensive garden, 

treat yourself to a little 

time to experience the joy 

of gardening. 

WIN WIN WIN 

Taranaki 

Bought to you by 

xcept Auckland) or 

eGardenFestival 

• Explore a variety of beautiful gardens 

• Purchase plants you’ve seen in the gardens 

• Get practical advice from garden hosts 

• Enjoy arts, craft and vintage machinery 

• Only $2 entry per garden 

Festival programme available at most Garden 

Centres (NZ wide) and most i-SITEs or download 

a copy from our website. 

TaranakiFringeGardenFestival 

www.taranakigardens.co.nz 

Photo/A. Clough 

Real Gardens for real people 

salads and teas, and for 

centuries, flowers have 

been used to heal. 

And to get started with 

flower-bombing your garden, 

or an area in your 

local neighbourhood that 

needs a splash of colour, 

Yates is lending a helping 

hand. 

Just register online at 

yates.co.nz/nationalgardeningweek 

between October 

1-14 to receive a free 

packet of seeds from Yates 

flower range; including 

flowers for colour, flowers 

for the bees and butterflies 

and flowers that are 

perfect for picking. The 

free seed offer is timed 

perfectly for the October 

school holidays to get into 

the garden with grandkids 

for hours of flower fun. 

National Gardening 

Week aims to foster a 

love of gardening with 

a focus on growing not 

only plants but friend- 

Meanwhile, Taranaki’s 

Fringe 

Garden Festival, 

set to run 1 – 10 November 

this year, is promising 

to be the best in the 

event’s 15 year history. 

This year’s edition 

presents 39 gardens and 

13 places of interest that 

spans garden art to pot- 

Photo/B. Hotter 

tery, New Zealand’s largest 

collection of rainforest 

cacti and riding the rails 

on a heritage rail track. 

Ten of the gardens are 

new or returning after 

a break to the Festival, 

and include everything 

from small compact urban 

gardens to large rural 

gardens with lakes, bridges 

and an abundance of 

spring colour. 

“This year’s new additions 

will showcase a 

wide variety of gardening 

styles,” says the event’s 

organiser Anne Clough. 

“That diversity of approaches, 

practices and 

the resulting gardens is a 

really important aspect, 

and one that makes the 

Fringe Garden Festival 

such a unique event." 

To discover the heart 

of New Zealand’s gardens, 

and gardeners, 

look no further than the 

Taranaki Fringe Garden 

Festival, We will provide 

full coverage in our next 

issue.

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40 


From page 36 

your members. 

Lung cancer patients must focus on 

keeping well as best they can, so my role 

has been to plan and deliver a petition, 

so they have a voice and the opportunity 

to help inform policy... 

https://www.parliament.nz/en/ 

pb/petitions/document/PET_86322/ 

petition-of-philip-hope-for-lung-foun- 

dation-new-zealand?fbclid=IwAR- 

3lp3_4u6PRNOfY24DWygs4NukzPvp- 

6mJRIJ5qZthhuW3ldkRE_UpJcctQ 

We all share responsibility. Please 

acknowledge this inequity and call it for 

what it really is. 

Philip Hope 

Chief Executive 

Lung Foundation New Zealand 

ACC OVERHAUL 

Re your article in your March 2019 issue, 

“ACC needs an overhaul.” 

My husband Mike and I are Grey Power 

Members living in Opotiki. We lived 

in Gisborne until four years ago when 

we lost our home in a slow landslide and 

we had such awful problems with EQC 

during that time that we felt deeply for 

Kiwis in Christchurch that had years of 

EQC after the earthquake. 

While we lived in Gisborne, I had a 

huge problem with ACC, which I began 

writing about 10 years ago because 

we found that ACC workers tricked and 

cheated me by unethical practices and 

misuse of the medical records of my original 

accident. 

In addition, they were in collaboration 

with our GP to get me off the ACC books. 

After they turned down my case, they 

offered that I could appeal. My initial reaction 

was not to do so, but my husband 

had been in management, and so we decided 

to appeal simply for the purpose of 

him costing out how much ACC workers 

were prepared to spend to turn down my 

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case. But even we were shocked at how 

much government money they were prepared 

to use, abuse and waste. 

Sadly our beautiful granddaughter 

died that year and the book got shelved. 

Recently as pensioners we have had 

problems with WINZ and that was my 

final straw with governmental bureaucracy 

that have forgotten first that they 

are public servants and that it is our taxes 

that pay their wages. 

So I took out the book that I began in 

2010 and not only researched my case, 

but I also did huge amounts of research 

up to present day on ACC and have been 

totally shocked because it is operating 

nothing like the original model. There is 

huge abuse and waste in the department 

and I found that so many older people 

and other vulnerable people are being 

targeted as “degenerative”. 

We are publishing using our own money 

and have priced the book at what it has 

cost us - $12.50 plus postage/packing. 

Sandra Crashley 

(Please note our book review on page 14) 

SECTION 70 

FEEDBACK 

what is perceived to be an injustice 

when an immigrant granted NZ citizenship 

and having an overseas government 

pension there, has it transferred to 

NZ. That pension in excess of that person’s 

NZ pension is deducted from their 

partner’s NZ pension. There is nothing 

wrong with that. 

When any overseas person applies to 

immigrate to NZ, there are certain conditions 

they have to fulfil. Especially if 

they are 65 yrs or older, one important 

issue is their transfer of their government 

pension to NZ. They have to visit 

the NZ embassy or an agent working for 

our embassy service to have an interview 

and fill out the necessary documents. 

They will be made fully aware of the 

NZ system of old age pensions and what 

happens when they transfer their own 

country’s pension to NZ, and the deductions 

made if that pension exceeds 

their NZ one. That is what they sign to 

on their documentation. So it is no good 

complaining about this. 

These people then go on about this 

saying in other countries if an NZ citizen 

transferred there, they would not 

be penalised. They should check out the 

conditions obtaining in Australia. They 

would not get citizenship there, because 

of their age - only a visitor’s visa of a certain 

time and then they would have to 

leave. 

So these people who are complaining 

should stop and consider this: from the 

Regarding your recent article about Continued on page 41 

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From page 40 

day they arrive in NZ, they are accepted 

into all the free benefits available here. 

Including free hospitalisation, free ACC 

claims of all types, and can also apply for 

additional benefits if they qualify. And 

they have never paid one dollar in NZ 

taxes. I consider that a very good deal. 

I am a third generation Kiwi, so was 

my late wife who was diagnosed with an 

incurable brain tumour. I have nothing 

but praise for our hospital system. So my 

wife had to go into full rest home hospital 

care for some five months at a cost to 

us of $1000 a week. Because WINZ considered 

we were rich, we did not qualify 

for rest home subsidy. We were considered 

rich because we had saved hard for 

a rainy day both working, we both enjoyed 

a good life style, brought up four 

lovely kids, looked after them until they 

married or left home, then in retirement 

enjoyed several overseas holidays, until 

my wife passed away. And because we 

worked and saved hard, were ripped 

off by the system. As my late mother 

was also. 

She had to go into rest home care for 

three years, and had to sell her home at 

Mangawai to pay for her care. The same 

thing happened to my dad in a rest home. 

At age 85, I qualify for no benefits, 

such as my lawns being mowed, household 

help, free medical prescriptions, 

which cost me $20 every three months, 

I am income tested and am above the cut 

off because I had to join the old government 

super scheme - the best thing that 

could have happened in retrospect. At 

five percent of gross earnings per year, 

later increased to six percent of gross to 

take care of inflation. Because we worked 

hard for 40 odd years and saved hard for 

a rainy day, the only benefit I get is the 

home heating allowance. 

I get very annoyed at these immigrants 

complaining. They don’t know 

when they are well off. The minute they 

pass over our borders they are entitled 

to all our free care, and possibly other 

benefits as well. 

Eric Stricket 

Note: See the cover article from Federation 

Secretary and Advocacy Co-Chair Jan 

Pentecost on this subject 

GREYPOWER AND 

THE NZ ECONOMY 

Throughout New Zealand, Greypower 

Members contribute to the local economy 

and the national economy through 

local council property rates, income tax, 

petrol tax and GST. 

Despite a considerable percentage 

of Greypower members being on fixed 

incomes, such as National Superannuation, 

their contribution within the local 

community is considerable with extended 

family responsibilities, voluntary 

community activities and membership 

of a variety of social clubs such as the 

local RSA, the local Cosmopolitan Club, 

the Bowling Club plus the Croquet Club. 

Through membership of a Cosmopolitan 

Club/Workingmens Club, 

Greypower members have access to 

a variety of club activities such as Seniors 

Club day trips, exchange visits 

with out of district clubs and extended 

trips to various New Zealand cities and 

provincial towns. 

Membership of the local RSA Club 

can also be beneficial to Greypower 

Members with social activities such as 

indoor/outdoor bowls, social evenings 

with music and dancing plus variety 

concerts with guest singers. 

Greypower members are a vital sector 

within New Zealand and their contribution 

to New Zealand should be recognised 

by Government agencies. 

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female representation. 

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“Meet the candidates” member meetings 

on a regular basis up until the voting 

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the Greypower members know about 

the candidates, the better informed individual 

Greypower members will be 

before they cast their vote – it’s all part 

of the democratic process. 

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www.wholesaletoner.co.nz

42 


STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS 

MAGAZINE COMMITTEE 

REPORT 

The changes we have made to the magazine 

in the last 12 months continue 

to be well-received, although we still 

have more changes to make and some 

fine tuning. 

We still get the odd complaint about 

the amount of advertising appearing in 

the magazine. However, it is important 

that the members remember that it’s 

the advertising that pays the bills. I personally 

think that we have the balance 

about right. However, what we need 

to look at is the amount of space being 

given to Standing Committee Reports 

and National Advisory Group Reports. 

Although it is necessary to continue to 

provide this information to the membership 

at large, we need to look at condensing 

the reports to a more manageable 

level. We will discuss this at the next 

Board meeting. 

On a serious note, our magazine editor, 

Lisa Potter is still unwell. She has 

been on sick leave for some months 

and although she is now out of hospital, 

we have been advised that she has 

agreed with NM Media to step down 

from her role at Grey Power and focus 

on her health and other commitments. 

We send Lisa our very best wishes for a 

successful recovery and return to work. 

David Porter has now taken over the 

editorship of our magazine. Many of 

you will have seen David at the AGM 

taking photographs and conducting interviews. 

David edited Issue 38 – June 

2019 Issue and did an excellent job. Our 

thanks to David. 

Please keep in mind if you have a 

story that is interesting or amusing, 

send it to me for consideration for publishing. 

Last but not least, I was quoted in 

the last magazine in an article titled 

“Chequeless banking not welcome” as 

saying, “Kiwibank was the only ‘banked’ 

owned by New Zealanders.”What I in 

fact said was, “Kiwibank was the only 

‘major bank’ owned by New Zealanders”, 

which is in fact correct. 

Mac Welch 

Chair Magazine Committee. 

ADVOCACY, ELECTION STRAT- 

EGY, RESEARCH AND SUPER- 

GOLD CARD 

1. The main objective: to ensure 

that the Grey Power NZ Federation 

Advocacy Standing Committee carries 

out the organisation’s advocacy 

aims through well researched, i.e. 

evidence-based, efficient, effective 

advocacy by lobbying, involvement 

in submissions etc. 

2. The action items completed for 

the reporting period are: 

- the lobby report part one has been 

supplied for the June Grey Power 

Quarterly magazine. 

- the lobby report part two (delayed 

until responses had been received 

from decision-makers) has now 

been prepared for the September 

Grey Power Quarterly magazine. 

- the 2019 AGM remits have been 

allocated to the relevant National 

Advisory Groups to enable them to 

provide information to the lobby 

team. 

3. Summary of accomplishments 

since the AGM: 

Submissions on the use of cannabis 

in various forms namely cannabidiol 

(cbd) for medicinal purposes (ACC 

National Advisory Group) and on 

the Climate Change Response (Zero 

Carbon) Amendment Bill (P. Matcham) 

have been written 

4. List of activities for the next 

three months: 

4.1 A lobby visit is likely to be arranged 

at a date still to be decided 

Possible dates for visits are: 

• September 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19; 

• October 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24; 

• November 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 

20, and 21; 

• December 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 

and 19. 

4.2 The likely issues for the next lobby 

visit as previously decided by the 

Board or the AGM or recommended 

by National Advisory Group chairs 

are: 

Energy: 

The delayed release of the Electricity 

Price Review and the recommendations 

of the panel. Ask the Minister 

of Energy why the delay. 

Finance and Investment: 

- A cashless society = our views to 

the Reserve Bank 

- to follow-up on mobile banks or 

all-purpose banking hub – see 

2019 remit 13 

- Kickstart Kiwisaver = $1000.00 

- Establishment of a Bank Deposit 

Guarantee Scheme in New Zealand 

– at present under review- https:// 

treasury.govt.nz/publications/ 

resource/questions-and-answersphase-2-review-reserve-bank-actsecond-round-consultation 

Social Services, Fifty Plus and 

Superannuation and Taxation: 

- Changes to superannuitants 

non-qualifying partners MSD policy 

– see discussion paper. 

Aged Care: 

- Re-assessment of home care - 

people assessed as able to receive 

home care to be re-assessed at six 

monthly intervals by an approved 

InterRAI assessor before any reduction 

of care hours can occur 

- InterRAI Assessment- anyone undergoing 

an Inter Rai Assessment 

should have a support person present 

unless they actively decline - 

NB This is a human and disability 

right for consumers. 

- Home cares – request the Minister 

of Health to ensure the delivery 

of home care by District Health 

Boards to be based on need as assessed 

by Home Care Inte RAI assessment 

and that the level of care 

be delivered at the same level by all 

of the 20 District Health Boards. 

- Aged Care Commissioner 

ACC – medicinal cannabis 

Miscellaneous- 2017 Remit 10 = to lobby 

the Minister of Primary Industries 

to have the small print on packaging 

to be able to be read without the aid of 

a magnifying glass, e.g. font size and a 

similar request re small print on legal 

documents. 

Remit 7 – parent reunification 

Remit 9 – dental hygiene services 

for older people 

Remit 10 – prescription of NZ post 

services = review of deed of understanding 

etc. 

Remit 11 – a cost effective way to improve 

literacy 

Remit 12 – consumer/customer representation 

on state-owned enterprise 

boards 

Remit 13 – prescription of Kiwibank 

services - lobby Government to establish 

a Deed of Understanding with 

Kiwibank in addition to its annual 

Statement of Intent, which sets out 

the requirements for Kiwibank as a 

public entity to consult with communities 

about location of Kiwibanks 

Remit 15 – financial assistance for 

local body, social and pensioner 

housing portfolios 

Remit 16 – the internet as an essential 

service 

Remit 18 – financial incentives re 

discounted bulk mailing rates with 

NZPO and DX 

(See the 2019 remits for full 

information) 

ELECTION STRATEGY – the following 

activities for the 2019 local body 

elections have occurred: 

a) Memorandum to associations re 

ideas for candidates’ meetings etc. 

b) Memorandum from the Health 

National Advisory Group chair re 

candidates for DHB elections. 

c) Article in the June Grey Power 

Quarterly magazine providing advice/ideas 

on candidates’ meetings 

SUPERGOLD CARD – no action re 

this at this time except to note from the 

budget provision for a phone app to enable 

easier access to gold card discounts 

5. Recommendation to the Board: 

5.1 That National Advisory Group 

chairs advise the Board on other lobby 

issues for the next lobby visit 

5.2 That the report be adopted. 

Co-Chairs: Mac Welch and Jan 

Pentecost 

FINANCE AND INVESTMENT 

The president and myself were invited 

to a meeting held in Auckland with 

several charitable societies and two 

representatives from Kiwibank. The focus 

of the meeting was for the charities 

to voice their concerns with Kiwibank 

about the removal of cheques. As most 

of their donations come from the older 

sector of the population, they consider 

that they will miss out on receiving 

millions of dollars. 

Kiwibank was very firm that it has 

made the decision to do away with 

cheques and would not be changing 

that decision. We will be kept informed 

of any actions the group may take. 

The Bankers Association have a set 

of guidelines to help the elderly meet 

the needs of Older and Disabled customers. 

These are now part of the code 

of Banking Practice and are therefore 

mandatory. The link is https://www. 

nzba.org.nz/consumer-information/ 

code-banking-practice/o;der-anddidabled-customer-guidelines/ 

Banks other than Kiwibank have 

a focus to encourage customers away 

from using cheques by increasing the 

clearance fee to 75 cents per cheque, 

as well as lengthening the time that it 

takes to clear a cheque. Some businesses 

are now refusing to accept cheques 

for payment. 

I asked the Reserve Bank if a cheque 

is legal tender and they have replied that 

cheques are not legal tender. Cheques 

are covered by the Cheques Act. 

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/ 

public/1960;0017/latest/whole.html 

The Reserve Bank on 7 August announced 

that it had reduced the Official 

Cash Rate (OCR) to 1.0 percent 

to meet its employment and inflation 

objectives. 

And there is continued speculation 

that interest rates could be reduced 

even further by the Reserve Bank. Any 

reduction of interest rates is a concern 

to members who rely on earnings from 

investments to supplement their income 

from superannuation. 

It is important that we continue to 

advocate for a Bank Deposit Insurance 

to be established in New Zealand to 

protect those with bank deposits in case 

banks get into a position whereby that 

they are unable to repay the investment 

to investors. 

Recommendation: 

That the Advocacy Committee continue 

to advocate for the establishment of a 

Bank Deposit Guarantee Scheme to be 

established in New Zealand. 

That the report be adopted. 

R Reid 

Chair Finance and Investment 

Committee 

LEGAL, REGULATIONS AND RE- 

MITS 

Exposure Draft Incorporated Societies 

Act 1908 Review 

The Government has agreed to update 

legislation that applies to the more 

than 23,000 incorporated societies that 

operate in New Zealand. 

In May 2019 the Cabinet Economic 

Development Committee invited the 

Minister of Commerce and Consumer 

Affairs to issue drafting instructions 

to the Parliamentary Counsel Office 

to amend the draft bill and invited the 

Minister of Commerce and Consumer 

Affairs to report back to Cabinet with 

the final text of the draft bill later in 

2019, with a view to its introduction to 

the House. 

By-Law Updates 

The following By-Laws have been 

updated in accordance with the June 

2019 Board Minutes: 

• By-Law 3 – Proxy Votes: 

o The Form 3B page numbering has 

been corrected 

o The correct clause number from 

the Federation Constitution has 

been inserted 

• By-Law 6 – Remits: 

o The ‘Association Remits’ section 

of Form 6B has been corrected. 

Memos to Associations 

In accordance with the June 2019 

minutes, a memo will be sent to Associations 

regarding the procedure for 

processing annual remits and the possibility 

of contacting NAGs before remits 

being formulated for clarification. 

Update of Federation Constitution 

The Federation Constitution is been 

updated with the remits passed at the 

2019 Federation AGM. 

Sandy Feringa 

Chair


ECONOMY 

Implications of the OCR cut 

Interest rates are a key concern for older and retired 

New Zealanders, many of whom are living off their 

savings and investments to supplement their income 

from superannuation. 

BY DAVID PORTER 

As noted in this issue’s Standing 

Committee Reports (see page 42), 

the Reserve Bank of New Zealand 

on 7 August announced that it had 

reduced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) 

to 1.0 percent to meet its employment 

and inflation objectives. The half a percentage 

point reduction was the biggest 

single move by the central bank since 

it slashed rates in the wake of the 2011 

Christchurch earthquake. 

The OCR - the term used both here 

and across the Tasman for the bank rate, 

also known as the discount rate in some 

countries - is the rate of interest a central 

bank charges on its loans and advances 

to a commercial bank. It is one of 

the key tools used to manage monetary 

policy and is regularly reviewed through 

the year, but not always changed. 

In its August announcement the Reserve 

Bank stated that a lower OCR was 

necessary to continue to meet its employment 

and inflation objectives. 

“GDP growth has slowed over the 

past year and growth headwinds are 

rising,” the bank said. 

Low interest rates and increased 

government spending would support 

a pick-up in demand over the coming 

year, the Reserve Bank said. Business 

investment is expected to rise, given low 

interest rates and some ongoing capacity 

constraints. 

Grey Power's National president Mac 

Welch was reported in the media at the 

time of the cut as saying that it would 

have a huge impact on the elderly. People 

on fixed incomes had to budget carefully 

and they would have to make sacrifices 

to get by, he said. 

The low cost of borrowing could be 

good news for those wanting to get onto 

the property ladder, analysts said. But it 

makes life difficult for savers. 

Economist Cameron Bagrie - citing 

the European economic environment in 

which banks for some years have operated 

in a negative interest rate environment 

- says low interest rates could be 

the new normal, potentially for a decade 

or more. 

When we went to print, while there 

had been some easing of mortgage rates, 

it was unclear to what extent interest 

rates for savers would be affected in the 

longer term. 

Helping you get 

a kick out of TV 

Captions and audio description 

might be just what you need 

to enjoy all your favourite TV 

programmes – including the Rugby 

World Cup games screening on 

TVNZ 1. 


can help people with limited hearing 

or vision to fully access television. 

Both services are free and available 

using your TV remote. 

Captions are like subtitles and 

are designed for people with hearing 

loss so viewers can keep up with 

the dialogue and read along as they 

watch. Captions are available on a 

wide range of programmes on TVNZ 

1, TVNZ 2, Duke, Three, Bravo and 

Prime. We often hear from viewers 

who have trouble distinguishing 

voices from background music. Captions 

can help make your favourite 

TV programmes clearer and easier to 

understand, meaning you don’t miss 

out on anything. 

If you’re a rugby fan, now’s a great 

time to give captions a go because 

for the duration of the Rugby World 

Cup, we’re thrilled to be offering captions 

for the 12 matches being broadcast 

free-to-air on TVNZ 1, including 

all of the All Blacks’ pool matches, 

the quarter-final, both semi-finals 

and the Rugby World Cup 2019 final. 

Audio description is an audio narrative 

that describes the on-screen 

action and is designed for people 

Captions available on all rugby 

coverage broadcast on TVNZ 1 

with vision loss. It plays in the gaps 

between the dialogue. If you’re not 

able to see the TV very well, audio 

description can add so much to your 

enjoyment of a programme by describing 

colour, detail, facial expressions 

and small movements. Audio 

description is available on selected 

programmes on TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2 and 

Duke. 


are produced by Able, a not-for-profit 

organisation fully funded by NZ On 

Air to provide these services to television 

broadcasters. 

To access captions or audio description, 

you need to follow the instructions 

for the type of television 

you are watching. Instructions can 

be found on the Able website, www. 

able.co.nz, or you can email hello@ 

able.co.nz or call on 09 950 5172 for 

an instruction booklet to be posted. 

202827AA 

Want to be able 

to see or hear the 

action on your 

telly? 

Captions and audio description are 

available for you, all for free. 

Visit www.able.co.nz 

Captions are a transcript of the programme’s audio, including 

sound effects, and are designed for the Deaf and hard of 

hearing, plus for use in noisy environments. 

Audio description is a voice narrative of the on-screen action 

that plays in the gaps of the programme audio and is designed 

for the blind and vision-impared. 

Email: 

hello@able.co.nz 

Call: 

09 950 5172 

Fax: 

09 973 2941 

Facebook: 

AbleNZ 

See our website for more information: 

www.able.co.nz

44 


Better cancer care 

FROM PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN 

When you or a 

loved one is 

sick, you should 

be able to access the quality 

care you need and deserve. 

A good example 

is cancer care. All New 

Zealanders want to see 

those fighting cancer well 

looked after. That’s why 

we’ve announced a comprehensive 

cancer plan 

to deliver much-needed 

changes to cancer care in 

New Zealand. 

Our plan includes a 

national cancer agency to 

ensure there is consistency 

of care. Our funding 

boost for PHARMAC will 

mean they will be able to 

provide more access to 

life-saving cancer drugs, 

and our investment in 

prevention and early detection 

will catch cancers 

and pre-cancers early. 

There are a lot of 

things we need to fix in 

our health system, including 

in cancer care. Some 

of our country's radiation 

machines were up to 16 

years old,. So we’re replacing 

them, making the 

largest ever investment in 

radiation therapy. 

No matter where you 

live, you should have access 

to quality health care. 

For too long, people fighting 

cancer in Northland, 

Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki 

have been forced to travel 

to get the radiation treatment 

they need. We know 

others simply miss out on 

treatment altogether. 

Our investments will 

mean better cancer care 

for you and your family. 

It’s all part of the wider 

work we’re doing to rebuild 

our health system, 

fix our rundown hospitals 

and make it easier for people 

to access care, through 

initiatives like cheaper GP 

visits and bowel cancer 

screening. 

There are a number of 

long-term challenges in 

health that we are working 

to address. National’s 

legacy was one of health 

cuts, underfunding and 

workforce shortages. We 

can’t fix it all straight 

away, but we have made 

good progress, taking a 

balanced approach. 

Of course, we’re working 

on more than just 

health. Something top of 

mind for many people this 

NEW ZEALAND FIRST 

IS COMMITTED TO DELIVERING FOR 

OUR NATION’S SENIORS 

- Rt Hon Winston Peters MP 

Leader of New Zealand First 

Minister for Veterans Ron Mark (right) at a 

Ranfurly Trust veterans event in Auckland. 

We can’t take the classic 

Kiwi childhood for granted 

FROM GREEN PARTY CO-LEADERS JAMES SHAW 

AND MARAMA DAVIDSON 

When we were 

kids, summers 

meant family 

and the great outdoors. 

For James, any beach in 

the far north or mountain 

in the deep south. 

For Marama, she has fond 

winter is staying warm. As 

part of our Warmer Kiwi 

Homes programme, we’ve 

introduced grants for energy 

efficient heat pumps 

and wood burners, to help 

people stay warmer and 

healthier while keeping 

their power bills in check. 

Our Healthy Homes Standards, 

which require adequate 

insulation, ventilation 

and heating in 

rental homes, are now 

law, and will help prevent 

thousands of premature 

deaths and hospital visits 

every year. 

Finally, you might 

have missed the news that 

we’re making it easier to 

get a rates refund. Right 

now, you need to turn 

up in person at a council 

office to apply. That can 

be a real barrier for older 

people and those who 

memories of a family life 

living off the land. 

Every time there was 

a tangi or a gathering at 

our marae, one of the 

uncles would load us up 

on the back of his truck 

and take us out to our local 

kaimoana gathering 

place. We would get tio 

(oysters), kutai (mussels) 

and other shellfish. Others 

would go diving nearby 

for paua and koura 

(crayfish). Others would 

fish, others would hunt 

in our bush for wild pork 

and others would gather 

watercress and pūha. My 

valley has a beautiful river 

running through it and 

is very fertile, so we also 

had bountiful gardens 

and fruit trees that kept 

us well fed. That river of 

ours was how we learnt to 

swim and catch eels and 

was a drinking source. 

Every day after school 

struggle with a disability, 

and it’s stopping people 

accessing money they are 

entitled to. That’s why 

we’re working on scrapping 

the requirement to 

be physically present at a 

council office or local authority 

when applying for 

a rates rebate. 

These are just some of 

the ways we’re getting on 

with the job, supporting 

New Zealanders and tackling 

the long term challenges 

facing our country. 

If you’d like to share 

your feedback, feel free to 

email me at jacinda.ardern@parliament.govt.nz. 

in the summer we would 

often get off the school 

bus and go straight to 

the creek before we went 

home! 

Now when I go home, I 

can see that we are really 

struggling to find places 

that our river is deep 

enough to dive into. Our 

water holes are not what 

they used to be in both 

water levels and quality 

and we are advised to not 

drink it straight out. Our 

harbour is polluted due to 

failing water infrastructure 

and our kaimoana 

stocks are not what 

they used to be. I wish 

my young children had 

known the river and the 

harbour when their mauri, 

their life essence – was 

at its best. 

Whether we swam, 

tramped, camped, or explored 

our local beaches, 

most of us have perfect 

memories of growing 

up in New Zealand. But 

we’ve let our rivers become 

polluted and our 

forests fragmented. If we 

want our kids to enjoy the 

childhood moments we 

enjoyed, then we need to 

take action now. 

The Green Party is 

leading on that action. 

We’ve boosted DoC funding, 

pushed through a 

ban on plastic bags clogging 

our oceans, and are 

working with farmers on 

sustainable agriculture to 

protect our land and waterways. 

We’re working 

hard to save the classic 

Kiwi childhood. 

But we need your support. 

Like you, we remember 

what made our Kiwi 

childhoods so special. We 

want to keep those memories 

alive for our children, 

and our grandchildren. 

And we’ve got the policies 

to make this happen. 

Find out more by reading 

our plans for Climate, 

the Environment and a 

genuinely sustainable 

Economy. Visit www. 

greens.org.nz/greypower 

to learn more, and to tell 

us what you think. 

Marama Davidson and 

James Shaw, co-leaders 

of the Green Party of 

Aotearoa. 

We can’t take the classic kiwi childhood for granted any more. Find out 

how to protect our unique way of life at greens.org.nz/greypower 

Don’t let your best 

childhood memories 

become history. 

Authorised by Winston Peters, Parliament Buildings, Wellington 

NZ 

NZ 

Authorised by Gwen Shaw, Level 1 , 17 Garrett St, Wellington 

Our future

Valuing our veterans 

BY NEW ZEALAND FIRST LEADER WINSTON PETERS 

Our veterans are a 

humble lot. They 

have served our 

country with pride, but 

are famously reluctant 

to speak out about their 

experiences, or to ask for 

help with service-related 

injuries or health issues 

when it is needed. 

But they are valued by 

this Government, which 

recognises that many 

have not got the help 

they have needed over 

the years, either because 

they don’t ask or because 

they simply don’t know 

what they’re entitled to. 

New Zealand First backs 

the veterans and wants to 

do a better job supporting 

them. 

In April, Minister for 

Veterans Ron Mark announced 

additional funding 

to go towards health 

and wellbeing assessments 

for veterans to ensure 

that when they leave 

the Defence Force they 

are linked to the right 

support services. 

The review of the Veterans’ 

Support Act 2014, 

published by Professor 

Ron Paterson last year, 

identified that more 

needs to be done for veterans 

and their families. 

Prof Paterson found there 

was a backlog in dealing 

with all but the most 

urgent applications for 

support and assistance, 

and delays in treatment, 

which was negatively affecting 

veterans who were 

already suffering physical 

and mental distress. 

The funding package 

will address some of his 

key findings. But there 

are also service personnel 

who are slipping through 

the cracks and not receiving 

the support they are 

entitled to. 

Mr Mark has tasked 

Veterans’ Affairs – a unit 

within the New Zealand 

Defence Force - to track 

down former personnel 

who aren’t registered with 

them or people with incomplete 

data so they can 

receive follow-up care if 

needed. 

The Government has 

budgeted $1.1 million a 

year for the past three 

years to help Vietnam 

Veterans, but latest figures 

show that at the 

end of March less than 


$200,000 of the year’s 

allocation had been 

spent, leaving more than 

$900,000 unaccounted 

for. 

Mr Mark has committed 

to allocating two portions 

of the unspent funds 

to the Vietnam Veterans 

and their Families Trust, 

along with the Veterans 

Medical Research Trust 

Fund, and he will bid for 

more funding if demand 

from veterans increases. 

The additional funding 

announced in April represents 

$4.1 million over 

four years for Veterans’ 

Affairs. It will be used to 

simplify the application 

process for veterans, free 

up staff to deal with more 

complex cases earlier, and 

carry out work to amend 

the Veterans’ Support Act 

2014. 

The needs of younger 

servicemen are also being 

accounted for, with 

last month’s announcement 

that all veterans 

who served in Yugoslavia, 

Timor-Leste, and the 

Solomon Islands are now 

eligible for support and 

services from Veterans’ 

Affairs. 

The Government is 

helping to level the playing 

field for many New 

Zealand veterans and offer 

them the support that 

they deserve. 

National’s Cancer Plan will put 

an end to the postcode lottery 

BY NATIONAL PARTY LEADER SIMON BRIDGES 

At the National Party 

conference in 

Christchurch last 

month, I was proud to announce 

National’s plan for 

cancer care. 

Cancer is the single biggest 

cause of death in New 

Zealand. It doesn’t discriminate: 

most Kiwis will be 

affected in cancer in some 

way, whether it’s a friend, 

a loved one or themselves. 

That’s why we’ve announced 

a policy to invest 

an extra $200 million over 

four years for PHARMAC 

to fund cancer drugs. 

In addition, we’ve committed 

to establishing a 

National Cancer Agency 

to deliver better diagnoses, 

access and treatment 

for cancer sufferers across 

New Zealand. 

Kiwis shouldn’t have 

to travel abroad, wipe out 

their savings, mortgage 

their houses or set up 

Givealittle pages to fund 

their cancer treatment. 

We shouldn’t have to take 

on crippling debt to afford 

medicines which are funded 

in other countries. 

The agency will be involved 

in prevention, 

screening and treatment. 

Due to New Zealand’s position 

as a world leader in research 

and innovation, the 

centre will also facilitate research 

that will allow us to 

prevent and more effectively 

treat cancer in the future. 

No matter where you 

live in New Zealand, you 

should receive the same 

high standard of cancer 

care. Too often, regional 

New Zealanders are disadvantaged 

because they can’t 

access the same services as 

those in our biggest cities. 

Under our cancer plan, 

access will be improved everywhere, 

meaning diagnoses 

can be made earlier. 

We believe that medical 

experts and clinical professionals 

should be setting 

the standards for care, not 

Wellington-based bureaucrats. 

Our National Cancer 

Agency will make sure that 

happens. 

The current Government 

claims its investment 

in health this year is the 

biggest ever. Yet 38,000 

more people aren’t seeing 

their GP because of the 

costs, we have the biggest 

DHB deficits on record, 

and fewer elective surgeries 

are happening under this 

Government. 

Despite claiming to be 

kind and caring, the Government 

only put an extra 

one percent into PHAR- 

MAC for lifesaving drugs, 

which doesn’t even cover 

inflation. It’s putting 75 

times more money into 

Shane Jones’ slush fund 

than into PHARMAC. 

The previous National 

Government boosted annual 

investment in PHAR- 

MAC by $220 million over 

nine years, benefitting 

820,000 more New Zealanders. 

National’s Cancer Fund 

is a priority for us because 

it’s the right thing to do. It 

will help thousands of Kiwis. 

And our commitment 

to a National Cancer Agency 

will ensure that your 

address won’t affect your 

prognosis. We should have 

a health system that is fair 

for everyone, regardless of 

your postcode. 

Better cancer 

care with 

Labour 

Commit $200m extra for cancer drugs 

and establish a National Cancer Agency. 

Simon Bridges 

National Party Leader 

Leader of the Opposition 

will: 

We’re making sure New Zealanders living with cancer can 

access high quality care, no matter where they live. From 

rolling out lifesaving radiation machines across the country 

to funding Pharmac which will expand access to new 

cancer medicines, our Cancer Action Plan will help you 

and your family get better cancer care. 

It’s all part of Labour’s plan to tackle the long-term 

challenges facing New Zealand. 

Learn more at labour.org.nz/bettercancercare 

simonjbridges • simonbridges.co.nz 

Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised by Simon Bridges MP, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn. 

Authorised by Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

46 


Association Contacts: 

Ashburton - Membership: Natalie Blampied PO Box 519, Ashburton 7740, Phone: 03 308 4002 Email: 

nataliemb@xtra.co.nz 

Auckland - President: Gillian Dance Mobile: 027 815 7139 Postal Address: PO Box 48157, Blockhouse Bay, 

Auckland 0644 Office & Physical Address: Mon - Fri 10.30am-1pm 557 Blockhouse Bay Rd, Blockhouse Bay, 

Auckland Phone: 09 626 0895 Email: akgreypowerinfo@gmail.com 

Buller - President: Lawrence Smith 22 Russell Street, Westport 7825 Phone: 03 789 6441 Email: trudwylie@ 

xtra.co.nz 

Cambridge - President: Val Massey Phone: 07 827 0273 Email: vlmassey.vm@gmail.com Postal Address: 

The Secretary, PO Box 369, Cambridge 3450 

Central Hawkes Bay - President: Vaietu T Araipu PO Box 255, Waipukurau 4242 Phone: 06 928 0618 Mob: 

027 257 1254 Email: etu_wpk@hotmail.com 

Central Otago - President: Margaret Hill Phone: 03 446 8623 Email: margarethillrox@gmail.com Treasurer: 

Jacqueline Goyen 32 Ventry Street, Alexandra 9320 Phone: 03 448 7043 Email: jgoyen32@gmail.com 

Secretary: Margaret Lorenz Phone: 03 446 8733 Email: bmlorenz@xtra.co.nz 

Christchurch - Secretary: Maureen Price PO Box 31010, Ilam, Christchurch 8444 Phone: 03 942 8816 Email: 

nanachooksboyz@gmail.com 

Coromandel - President: John Rabarts PO Box 91, Coromandel 3543 Phone: 07 866 8068 Mobile: 022 611 

5717 Email: john.rabarts@gmail.com 

Counties Manukau - Postal Address: PO Box 75722, Manurewa, Auckland 2243 Membership: Christine 

McDonagh Phone: 09 530 8601 Email: christinemcdonagh.01@gmail.com 

Dannevirke & Districts - Membership Secretary: LA Haste 26 Victoria Ave, Dannevirke 4930 Phone: 06 374 

9984 Email: aburlace1@xtra.co.nz 

Eastern Southland - President: Evan Currie Phone: 03 208 8288 Email: bbsbari.123@gmail.com Postal 

Address: PO Box 100, Gore 9740 Treasurer: Lynley Leatham Email: lynley.leatham@gmail.com 

Far North - President: Graham Dormer PO Box 505, Kaitaia 0441 Phone: 09 408 3316. 

Gisborne - PO Box 1222, Gisborne 4040 Phone: 06 863 0531 Email: gisborne.greypower@hotmail.com 

Golden Bay - President: Michael Delceg Email: m.delceg@xtra.co.nz Secretary: Rosemary Jorgensen 

Email: greypowergb@gmail.com Email: rosejorg@gmail.com Treasurer: Roy Reid Email: r.mh.reid@xtra.co.nz 

Committee Member: Margaret Fricker Email: africa@actrix.co.nz 

Greymouth - President: Maree Awatere-Jones PO Box 291, Greymouth 7840 Phone: 03 768 7407 Email: 

awatere11@gmail.com 

Hamilton - President Secretary Office & Postal Address: 9.30–12pm Mon-Thurs 30 Victoria St, Hamilton 

3204 Phone: 07 834 0668 Email: hamgreypower@outlook.co.nz Website: greypowerhamilton.org.nz 

Hastings & Districts - President: Ron Wilkins PO Box 98, Hastings Central 4156 Phone: 06 877 4419 Email: 

ronwilkins73@gmail.com Membership: Janice Gooch Email: goochi153@gmail.com 

Hibiscus Coast - President & Secretary: Simonne Dyer PO Box 129, Orewa 0946 Phone: 09 424 1315 

Mobile: 027 212 8322 Email: hbcgreypower@gmail.com 

Hokitika - Office: 1-4pm Mon-Fri PO Box 233, Hokitika 7842 Phone: 03 755 7777 Email: hokigreypen@xtra. 

co.nz 

Horowhenua - President: Terry Hemmingsen PO Box 328, Levin 5540 Phone: 06 367 0300 Email: terry. 

hemmingsen@gmail.com Vice President & Membership: Gary Benton Phone: 06 368 7350 Email: gdbenton@ 

xtra.co.nz 

Howick Pakuranga & Districts - Secretary: Sandy Feringa PO Box 38281, Howick, Auckland 2145 Phone: 

09 534 9409 Email: sandyferinga@xtra.co.nz 

Hutt City - Membership: Kevin Willis Phone: 04 567 3794 Email: kevinwillisnz@yahoo.co.nz PO Box 33274 

Wellington Mail Centre Wellington 5045 Combined Hutt Valley Assns Website: www.greypowerhuttvalley.org.nz/ 

huttvalley 

Kaipara - Secretary: Ken Cashin, 27 Sea View Road, RD 7, Dargaville 0377 Phone: 09 439 4452 Email: 

cashinken2@gmail.com 

Kapiti Coast - Membership Secretary & Office Co-ordinator: Diana Pierce 1st Floor, Coastlands, PO 

Box 479, Paraparaumu 5254 Mob: 029 776 3330 Email: kapitigreypower@outlook.com Website: www. 

kapitigreypower.co.nz 

Kawerau & Districts - President: Brian Dent Phone: 022 381 0663 Secretary: Lyn Hughes PO Box 209, 

Kawerau 3169 Membership: Jan Sparks Email: jansparky12@gmail.com 

King Country - President: Ngaire Grayson Phone: 07 878 6938 Email: rknegrayson@gmail.com Membership, 

Secretary & Postal Address: Helen Easton 6 Carroll Street, Te Kuiti 3910 Phone: 07 878 6939 Email: helen. 

easton.nz@gmail.com 

Mana Tawa - Main Line: Douglas Hazelwood PO Box 50034, Porirua 5240 Phone: 04 233 0162 

Manawatu - Office & Postal Address: 309 Main Street, Palmerston North 4410 Phone: 06 357 1930 Email: 

greypowermanawatu@digitalcloud.nz Membership: Sally Mayne Phone: 06 353 0835 Mob: 027 742 1925 Email: 

salscratch1@gmail.com 

Marlborough - President: Graeme Faulkner Phone: 03 579 1196 Email: greypowermarl2@xtra.co.nz Office 

& Physical Address: Marlborough Community Centre, 19/25 Alfred St, Blenheim 7201 Phone: 03 578 4950 

Website: www.greypowermarlborough.co.nz Postal Address: PO Box 875, Blenheim 7240 Secretary: Barbara 

Hutchinson Mobile: 027 509 3965 Email: secretary@greypowermarlborough.co.nz 

Matamata - Secretary: Malcolm Fairhall 44a Hohaia Street, Matamata 3400 Ph: 07 888 6663 Email: 

matamatagreypower@gmail.com Membership: Pauline Raphael Phone: 07 888 7122 

Mercury Bay - President: Merle Edwards Phone: 07 867 1737 Email: merlee@xtra.co.nz Postal Address: PO 

Box 226, Whitianga 3542 

Mid North - President: Bruce Crowther 27 Omapere Road, Kaikohe 0405 Mob: 027 499 2034 Email: bwucie@ 

gmail.com Postal Address: PO Box 401, Kerikeri 0245 

Morrinsville - President: Mike Gribble Phone: 07 889 5472 Email: gp.mville@gmail.com Secretary: Maureen 

Hudson PO Box 387, Morrinsville 3340 Mobile: 027 676 5236 Email: sophie4352@xtra.co.nz 

Motueka - Office: 9am-3pm Mon-Fri Community House, Decks Reserve, PO Box 350, Motueka 7143 Phone: 

03 528 9076 Email: greypowermot@gmail.com 

Napier & Districts - Membership Secretary: John Wuts PO Box 4247, Marewa, Napier 4143 Phone: 06 844 

4751 Email: wutsie@xtra.co.nz Website: www.napiergreypower.org 

Nelson - Office & Physical Address: 10am-3pm Mon-Fri 33 Putaitai Street, Stoke, Nelson Phone: 03 547 

2457 Fax: 03 547 2157 Email: nelsongreypower@xtra.co.nz Website: http://greypowernelson.org.nz Postal 

Address: C/- President, PO Box 2190, Stoke, Nelson 7041 

New Plymouth - Office & Postal Address: 21/117 Powderham Street, New Plymouth 4310 Phone: 06 757 

5885 Fax: 06 757 5886 Email: greypowernp@gmail.com 

North Canterbury - President: Jan Pentecost 113 Stringers Road, RD 7, Rangiora 7447 Phone: 03 312 9331 

Email: jan.pentecost@gmail.com Membership: Pauline Jackson PO Box 28, Rangiora 7400 Phone: 03 310 

6563 Email: miles1416@xnet.co.nz 

North Otago - President & Postal address: Daphne Ellis Phone: 03 434 6249 Community House, 100 Thames 

Street, Oamaru 9400 Email: greypowerno@oamaru.net.nz 

North Shore - President: Bill Rayner Phone: 09 445 3370 Email: brayner@xtra.co.nz Postal Address: PO Box 

32635, Devonport, Auckland 0744 Membership: Des Stobbs Phone: 09 445 7675 Email: des.stobbs@xtra.co.nz 

PO Box 272-1719, Papakura 2244 

Ph 09-299 2113 

Email: fed-office@xtra.co.nz 

Opotiki - Secretary: Joy Forbes 52 Grants Road, Opotiki 3122 Phone: 07 315 5469 

Otago - Office: 11am–2pm Mon-Thurs 211A King Edward St, South Dunedin, Dunedin Phone: 03 456 1685 

Email: greypowerotago@gmail.com 

Otaki (sub branch of Kapiti) - Membership Secretary & Office Coodinator: Diana Pierce 1st floor, 

Coastlands. PO Box 479, Paraparaumu 5254 Mob: 029 776 3330 Email: kapitigreypower@outlook.com 

Website: www.kapitigreypower.co.nz 

Otamatea - President: Beverley Aldridge 589 Whakapirau Road, Maungaturoto 0583 Phone: 09 431 9188 

Email: relax@serendipitypark.co.nz Vice President: Kathleen Pattinson Phone 09 283 2052 

Paeroa - Secretary: Gail Locke, 26 Waimarei Avenue, Paeroa 3600 Phone: 07 862 6256 Email: gailsone53@ 

gmail.com 

Papamoa & Districts - Pending 

Queenstown - President: Kirsty Sharpe 48 Peninsula Road, Kawarau Falls, Queenstown 9300 Phone: 03 

441 4300 Mob: 021 041 0076 Email: kirstyjsharpe@gmail.com Secretary: Katrina Gardiner Phone: 03 441 

1572 Email: greypowerqueenstownsecretary@gmail.com 

Rangitikei - Treasurer: Del Bettridge Phone: 06 327 7678 Email: del.bettridge@gmail.com Postal Address: 

PO Box 82, Marton 4741 

Rotorua - Office & Physical Address: Tues-Thurs 11am-2pm 1333 Eruera Street, Rotorua Phone: 07 

346 1739 Postal Address: PO Box 414, Rotorua 3040 Email: greypower.rotorua@gmail.com Website: www. 

greypowerrotorua.org.nz 

Ruapehu (sub branch of King Country) - President: Alan Turton 37 Falkner Park, Taumarunui 3920 

Phone: 07 895 5385 Mob: 027 814 2279 Email: theateam33@xtra.co.nz Secretary/Treasurer: Beth Sorensen 

Phone: 895 7079 Mobile: 027 405 1730 Email: bsorensenneill@xtra.co.nz 

Southland - Office: 9.30am-1pm 122 Esk St, Invercargill (Cnr Esk and Deveron St) PO Box 861, Invercargill 

9840 Phone: 03 214 5008 Email: greypowersouth@xtra.co.nz Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ 

GreyPowerSouthland 

South Otago - President: John Fenby Phone: 03 418 0002 Email: j.fenby@xtra.co.nz Secretary: Ray 

Crosswell 12 Athol Place, Balclutha 9230 Phone: 027 963 4161 Email: suray6970@gmail.com Treasurer: 

Kath Renton Phone: 03 418 1878 

South Taranaki - Contact: Fred Kumeroa Email: fredraewyn@hotmail.co.nz Treasurer & Membership: 

Estelle Barnes PO Box 167, Hawera 4640 Phone: 06 278 4800 Mobile: 021 990 007 Email: estelle.b@xtra. 

co.nz 

South Waikato - Secretary: Heather Williamson 158 Elizabeth Drive, Tokoroa 3420 Phone: 07 886 5658 

Email: hwilli@xtra.co.nz 

Stratford - Secretary: Claire Trowbridge, 110 Orlando Street, Stratford 4332 Phone: 06 765 7044 Email: 

c.c.trow@xtra.co.nz 

Taupo - Contact: Cheryl Carswell Email: gprmemtpo@gmail.com Postal Address: PO Box 862, Taupo 3351 

Tauranga & Western Bay of Plenty - President: Jennifer Custins Mob: 021 676 276 Email: jaycustins@ 

gmail.com Vice President: David Marshall Mob: 022 185 4263 Email: dandj@bethany-bop.com Office: 

9.30am-2.30pm Tues-Thurs Historic Village, Seventeenth Avenue, Tauranga Phone: 07 571 2558 Email: 

tgagreypower@gmail.com Postal Address: PO Box 841, Tauranga 3144 Website: www.greypowertauranga. 

org.nz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tauranga-WBOP-Grey-Power-519446718537562/ 

Te Aroha - President: Wanda Brittain Phone: 07 884 7489 Mobile: 027 486 0049 Email: wandabrittain@ 

gmail.com Postal Address: PO Box 39, Te Aroha 3342 

Te Awamutu - President: E Hazel Barnes Phone: 07 870 1924 Email: edithhazelbarnes@gmail.com Postal 

Address: PO Box 540, Te Awamutu 3840 

Temuka - Secretary: Vicki Howey 21 Davie Street, Temuka 7920 Phone: (wk) 03 615 7663 (hm) 03 615 

7784 Email: keeway67@gmail.com 

Thames - Secretary: Carolyn Young 303 Kauaeranga Valley Road, RD 2, Thames 3577 Phone: 07 868 6353 

Mobile: 027 463 4948 Email: barry.carolyn@xtra.co.nz Membership: Colin and Christine Hovell Phone: 07 

868 8196 Email: cchovell@gmail.com Website: www.greypowerthames.co.nz 

Timaru - President: Denise Fitzgerald Phone: 03 688 3833 Email: denise_fitzgerald@xtra.co.nz Postal 

Address: PO Box 4060, Highfield, Timaru 7942 Membership: Patricia Goodwin Phone: 03 688 3833 Email: 

pat.gerald1@gmail.com 

Upper Hutt - President: Dean Chandler-Mills Email: deanmills@hotmail.co.nz Membership: Sally Becker 

Phone: 04 973 4247 Email: gpuh.membership001@gmail.com Office: PO Box 40306, Upper Hutt 5140 

Email: thesecretarygpuh@gmail.com Email: thepresidentgpuh@gmail.com Combined Hutt Valley Assns’ 

website: www.greypowerhuttvalley.org.nz/huttvalley 

Waiheke & Gulf Islands - President: Allen Davies 422 Seaview Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island 1081 

Phone: 09 372 7481 Email: allen.davies38@gmail.com 

Waihi - President: Margaret Sole Ph: 07 863 5124 Mob: 027 487 9972 Email: margaret@candela.co.nz 

Secretary & Postal: Vicki Ingle 4 Marine Avenue, Waihi Beach 3611 Phone: 07 863 4072 Mob: 021 157 

1750 Email: veingle@hotmail.com Treasurer: Derek Mills Mob: 027 486 8519 

Waimate - Secretary: Karina Bellman 7 Mill Road, Waimate 7924 Phone: 03 689 6213 Mobile: 022 154 

2544 Email: macvale61@slingshot.co.nz 

Wainuiomata - Secretary: Mrs Lydia Gatherer PO Box 43233, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt, 5048 Phone: 04 

577 3273 Email: lydiahg@xtra.co.nz Combined Hutt Valley Assns Website: www.greypowerhuttvalley.org.nz/ 

huttvalley 

Wairoa & District - President: Jean Cooper Phone: 06 838 8654 Email: jeancpeterb@xtra.co.nz Secretary: 

Shirley E Callaghan PO Box 26, Wairoa 4160 Phone: 06 838 8770 Email: shirley.cally@gmail.com 

Waitakere - Office: 9.30am–12pm 247 Edmonton Road, Te Atatu Sth Community Cte, Waitakere. Phone: 

09 838 5207 Fax: 09 838 5237 Email: waitakgp@xtra.co.nz Postal Address: PO Box 83300, Edmonton, 

Waitakere 0652 

Wanganui - President: Graham Adams Email: graham.adams@xtra.co.nz Administration: PO Box 4197, 

Wanganui 4541 Email: info@greypowerwanganui.co.nz Membership: Michael Wallace Mobile: 027 531 1121 

Email: wallacemichael3@gmail.com 

Warkworth - President: Carol Greenwood Phone: 09 425 8672 Email: carolgreenwood44@gmail.com 

Postal Address: PO Box 351, Warkworth 0941 

Wellington Central - Secretary: Caroline Hubbard PO Box 13755, Johnsonville, Wellington 6440 Email: 

greypowerwellington@gmail.com Website: www.greypowerwellington.org.nz 

Wellington South East - President: David Williams Phone: 04 934 3464 Email: david_williams_wlg@ 

yahoo.co.nz Address: PO Box 14051, Kilbirnie, Wellington 6241 

Whakatane - Secretary: Susan Anderson PO Box 830, Whakatane 3158 Mobile: 021 116 9115. Email: 

whakatanegreypower@gmail.com Website: www.greypowerwhakatane.org.nz/gpw/ 

Whangamata - President: Cushla Jarvis Phone: 07 865 7111, Email: bruges@xtra.co.nz PO Box 223, 

Whangamata 3643 Membership: Maree Burt Phone: 07 865 8924 Email: whangamatagreypower@gmail. 

com 

Whangarei - President & General Enquiries: George Snell PO Box 964, Whangarei 0140 Phone: 09 437 

5550 Email: gsnell49@gmail.com Membership: Lynette Fox Phone: 09 436 1822 Email: lynfrankiefox@ 

gmail.com Website: www.greypowerwhangarei.org


NATIONAL ADVISORY GROUPS REPORTS 

ACC NATIONAL ADVISORY GROUP 

The last period has 

seen to be one 

of consolidation 

and preparation of a 

submission to parliament. 

This will revolve 

around starting to push 

for the removal of the 

age-related injuries. 

We believe that this is 

a breach of the Human 

Rights Act and pending 

the result of the advocacy 

trip the HRC may 

well be our next target. 

We have been notified 

of the appointment 

of two Association 

representatives 

to collate any ACC issue 

in their area. They 

are in Kawarau and 

Palmerston North. We 

thank those people for 

assisting us. 

We continue to get 

good feedback from 

members bringing us 

up to date with what 

is happening in their 

lives. Although we 

continue to push these 

issues we do not as yet 

have a great deal of success. 

A full agenda has 

been prepared for our 

meeting with ACC 

so hopefully this will 

bear fruit. 

ACC have been provided 

with two books 

written by Grey Power 

members outlining 

their journey with ACC 

and hopefully these will 

come up for discussion 

at the meeting. 

ACC have now appointed 

a funded advocate 

to appear for 

clients that have been 

poorly treated by ACC. 

This free service will 

be supplied by Warren 

Forster, a very wellknown 

lawyer for ACC 

matters. He can be contacted 

through email at 

Warren.Forster@talkmeetreslve.co.nz 

REPORT ON - ACC 

MEETING HELD IN 

WELLINGTON ON 

2ND AUGUST 2019 

This meeting was attended 

by Caryl Blomkvist 

and myself and 

Emma Powell and 

Cameron Sherlley from 

ACC. 

The discussion was 

quite wide- ranging regarding 

ACC building 

on matters previously 

discussed and some 

further progress was 

made. 

There was discussion 

over their interpretation 

of Section 12B of 

the act and although 

we still disagree some 

movement was made. 

There is a need for 

older people particularly 

to be aware of what is 

required when dealing 

with ACC as far as using 

the correct paperwork. 

Emma has undertaken 

to prepare an article for 

our magazine covering 

this aspect. 

We discussed the 

makeup of review panels 

and were advised 

that they were various 

combinations depending 

on the level of review. 

In some minor 

cases it was staff only 

but depending on the 

severity of the injury 

the makeup was altered 

and in some cases 

through to the use of 

medical practitioners as 

required. 

We discussed again 

the need to remove any 

reference to de-generation 

due to age. Although 

this will be difficult 

some movement 

may be made. We advised 

ACC that we were 

discussing this with the 

Human Rights Commission, 

so they also felt 

the need to enter into 

the same discussion 

with them. 

There was discussion 

around the use and removal 

of surgical mesh. 

This is ongoing as it 

apparent that there are 

very few, if any, surgeons 

in New Zealand 

who have the ability 

to reverse this process 

when it goes wrong 

and overseas treatment 

is needed. This is still 

work in progress. We 

discussed the new advocates, 

Meet talk review 

under Warren Forster. 

This group is still developing 

and more information 

will be provided 

when the structure 

is complete. This is a 

free advocacy service 

funded by ACC. 

Another organisation 

has been set up 

called Independent 

Complaints Review Ltd. 

This is similar to Fairway, 

but offers another 

service. 

Graeme Faulkner 

Chair 

AGED CARE & RE- 

TIREMENT VIL- 

LAGES 

The report on the review 

of Aged Residential 

Care funding was 

scheduled for release 

on 20 August. It will 

be interesting to see 

which recommendations 

the Government 

will accept. 

It is also of interest 

that the Ministry 

of Health is holding a 

Scoping Workshop for 

a review of the Health 

and Disability Services, 

Aged Residential Care 

as well as another Scoping 

Workshop on the 

Home and community 

Support Services. Both 

these standards have 

not been reviewed for 

some years. 

Mate Marinovich has 

advised that an elderly 

man who lived in a 

block of council owned 

flats in south Auckland 

was found five days after 

he had died. It is a 

pity that a neighbourhood 

watch cannot be 

established for these 

blocks of flats, with 

other residents checking 

that the neighbour 

is up and about on a 

once daily basis. I am 

well aware of a person’s 

privacy, but a neighbourly 

check could also 

resolve the problem 

of loneliness and social 

isolation which is 

recognised as a major 

problem for older people 

living alone. Councils 

who own the units 

should install emergency 

alarms to ensure the 

safety and wellbeing of 

the residents. 

R Reid 

Committee Chair 

COMMERCIAL 

AGREEMENTS 

Since my last report, 

not a great deal has occurred 

in this area apart 

from regular Grey Power 

Electricity meetings 

and updates. 

Grey Power Electricity 

Directors are 

currently negotiating a 

new Contract with our 

partner Pulse Energy 

to make some minor 

changes and incorporate 

the provision of the 

new Internet service offer. 

Unfortunately, it 

would appear the Mobil 

Fuel Card deal has 

finally come to grief. 

Although it has been 

announced by Pulse on 

several occasions, the 

Agreements were negotiated 

with Mobil Area 

office, Singapore. Mobil’s 

marketing arm for 

Australasia is a company 

known as Pounamu. 

This would appear to 

be where the problems 

have arisen. 

Grey Power Electric- 


The Grey Power Magazine is published quarterly by 

Neben Morris Media for the Grey Power New Zealand 

Federation Inc. It is the official publication for the 

federation and its affiliated associations. Grey Power 

Magazine is mailed to all financial members of Grey 

Power. Grey Power NZ Federation Inc is incorporated 

under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908 

Subscription inquiries: 

Grey Power Federation 

P.O. Box 272 1719 

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Auckland 

Phone: 09 299 2113 

Email: fed-office@xtra.co.nz 

The next issue of The Grey Power Magazine will 

be published November 2019. Deadlines are: 

Editorial: Monday, 21st October 2019 

Advertising: Wednesday, 30th October 2019 

Delivery Address: 

The Grey Power Magazine 

12 Mill Street, Hamilton 3200 

P.O. Box 1425, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240 

Phone: 07 838 1333 • Fax: 07 838 2807 

Editor: 

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any person involved in the preparation of this publication accepts any form 

of liability whatsoever for its contents, including editorials, advertisements, 

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REMINDER

48 


NATIONAL ADVISORY 

GROUPS REPORTS 

From page 47 

This a good example of private enterprise 

taking part in an alternative 

ity customer base continues to grow, energy project in New Zealand. With 

but at a slower rate than previous a suitable location a mini grid could 

years however the numbers continue 

be established next to any industri- 

to improve. The Customer Care al complex. However, we should not 

performance of Grey Power Electricity 

forget the domestic solar household 

continues to be outstanding when combined would be the mega 

when compared with the other players 

grid for domestic electricity. 

within the industry. Call Answer www.infratec.co.nz | www. 

rates and service levels continue to worldbank.org/en/news/press-release 

out-perform all other industry competitors. 

2019/06/25mini grids 

As an example, for Jan, Feb, The Minister of Energy and Resources 

March 2019 GPE complaints were 

Megan Woods has been ap- 

closed (this means completed) within pointed to the International Energy 

2.03 days against the industry KPI of Agency. One of the aims of the agency 

20 days. Excellent figures indeed. is to explore improving the speed that 

Occasionally I am contacted by energy efficiency measures can be advanced 

members who tell me that Grey Power 

through policy. The only good 

Electricity is not the cheapest, they policy that can be achieved is by establishing 

have had a better offer from another 

proper research and devel- 

supplier. Normally when I investigate opment projects, including persons 

these complaints, I find that this is with the technical skills and administrative 

not the case when all factors such as 

ability. 

membership fees, payment discounts The Panel for Urgent Action on Energy 

and contract terms are taken into 

Efficiency includes serving and 

account. However, very occasionally 

previous ministers for energy and en- 

our competitors will offer a lesser vironment from, Denmark, Germany, 

price, but you must remember the Iceland, Japan, Morocco, Luxembourg 

following. All GPE customers receive and Spain. 

the same price for the energy content www.iea.org look at the various 

from North Cape to the Bluff guaranteed 

energy sources - hydrogen. 

till 2020. You will find that With the Energy Minister’s ap- 

other companies have a very wide pointment to the Urgent Action on 

range of prices across their customer 

Energy Efficiency, her government 

base with substantial variations still has to respond to the final Energy 

even between neighbouring properties 

Price Review that was presented to her 

so what they lose on the round- 

in May 2019 and still no action, other 

about they more than make up on the outstanding matters still need to be 

swings. 

confirmed, the hydrogen strategy and 

It is also worth remembering that the Interim Climate Change Committee’s 

Grey Power Electricity was founded 

report on renewable electricity 

with two aims, to achieve affordable targets(a media release has now been 

electricity at stable prices for our produced). This media release is an 

membership and to create real competition 

appendix to this report. 

within the industry. 

The Electricity Authority has de- 

cided to introduce real time pricing, 

Mac Welch 

this will be a significant change to the 

Chair Commercial Agreement 

wholesale spot market. 

On the 1 July 2019 real time pricing 

ENERGY NATIONAL ADVISO- began. This will be a staged development 

RY GROUP REPORT 

and the whole process will be 

The energy report for this period is an completed by September 2022. Development 

update of various activities in the energy 

of this concept began in 

sector of New Zealand. 

July 2017 with a consultation process 

A mini grid in Auckland has reached from August to October. Another consultation 

the final stage of development. A 

process from 2019 March to 

220kWh Tesla battery with 400solar April. This is a good example of not 

panels.is the installation for Watercare 

rushing through an important change 

at their Redoubt Road reservoir. to policy. 

140kW of power will be provided to www.ea.govt.nz spot market settlement 

the complex. 

757 9563 at real time prices. Contact 06 1/07/2019 

BUY – SELL – SWAP 

RENT – NOTIFY – BUY 

Grey Power Lifestyle Quarterly now accepts classifieds advertisements. These advertisements are 

for the exclusive use of members of Grey Power, excluding commercial business. Cheques payable 

to: Waikato Business Publications, PO Box 1425, Waikato Mail Centre, Hamilton 3240. 

The Minister of Energy and 

Resources, Megan Woods. 

The Electricity Authority envisages 

the system will require software development 

and changes to the operational 

process. 

The systems operator Transpower 

will need to make adjustments to the 

national transmission set up. 

To date, I have not noticed any 

changes in the daily market prices 

which are found on Energy Trendz 

Weekly ., the monthly report shows a 

sudden dip on 19 July, the Electricity 

Authority shows this dip in wholesale 

prices through to 21 July and then a 

gradual rise. It will be interesting if 

this trend continues. 

www.energylink.co.nz click on the 

latest news to find prices. 

The energy sector in New Zealand 

is waiting for action of the Minister 

of Energy on the Electricity Price Review 

With the move by the Electricity 

Authority into real time pricing, 

this move is going to have a more 

stable price for what the consumer 

pays for electricity 

With commercial and industrial 

users moving to mini grids for their 

energy needs, this will at times reduce 

the power usage on the overall system 

and provide generators of hydro- electricity 

a reserve storage capacity. 

Recommendations. 

For the next visit the lobby team 

should speak to the Minister of Energy 

to ask why she has delayed the release 

of the Electricity Price Review and the 

recommendations.of the panel. 

NATIONAL 

NATIONAL 

BENEFITS 

BENEFITS 

Negotiated by 

Negotiated by 

Bern Sommerfeld 

Chair Energy Committee 

FIFTY PLUS 

1. The main policy objective is to advance, 

support and enhance the 

wellbeing of 50-65-year olds, recognising 

the long-term future of Grey 

Power will come from members 

joining from this age group. 

2. The action items/accomplishments 

(current policy goals) completed or 

on-going for the reporting period 

have been to advise the lobby team 

re: 

2.1 the request that the Minister 

of Finance asks Treasury to include 

unpaid work in the GDP– 

he has responded “That the 

Government is not currently 

considering including unpaid 

work in the definitions and calculations 

of the System of National 

Accounts…” 

2.2 Advocating for the re-instate- 


Grey Power NZ Federation Inc. 

Grey Power NZ Federation Inc. 

FOR SALE 

Grey Power CLASSIFIED AD COUPON 

Name: ............................................................................................................................. 

Address: ......................................................................................................................... 

Category (For sale, wanted etc) ..................................................................................... 

Month of issue: March ( ) June ( ) Sept ( ) Nov ( ) 

Advertisement: ............................................................................................................... 

........................................................................................................................................ 

........................................................................................................................................ 

........................................................................................................................................ 

Phone number: .............................................................................................................. 

Email: ............................................................................................................................. 

Cheque attached ($1 per word): $ .................................................................................. 

The following organisations are of are of 

The benefit following to Grey organisations Power Federation are and of 

benefit 

the membership 

to Grey Power 

at large. 

and the membership Federation large. 

and • AIL the Insurance membership at large. 

• AIL Insurance 

• Inter-Island Ferry 

• • AIL Inter-Island Tranzalpine InsuranceFerry 

• • Inter-Island Grey Scenic Power Train Ferry Electricity 

Offer 

• • Grey Challenge Northern Power Explorer Fuel Electricity 

• • Challenge Vesta Coastal Health Pacific Fuel Insurance 

• 

• 

Vesta 

Grey 

Health 

Power Electricity 

Insurance 

• Challenge Fuel 

• Vesta Health Insurance 

Further details can be 

Further obtained details from: can be 

obtained Federation from: office 

Federation phone: office 

phone: 0800 473 979 

0800 email: 473 979 

email: fed-office@xtra.co.nz 

fed-office@xtra.co.nz 

website: 

website: www.greypower.co.nz 

www.greypower.co.nz


From page 48 

ment of all the monetary assistance 

that was previously provided 

to 55+ people to enable 

them to continue any education 

that they wish or need to pursue. 

The Minister of Seniors 

told Grey Power following the 

launch of the new strategy for 

our ageing population ‘Better 

Later Life He Oranga Kaumatua’ 

that a detailed plan will be 

produced, which we assume 

will contain action on this issue. 

3. List of activities for the next three 

months: 

The preparation of research to 

provide a response to the government’s 

announcement that the 

unqualified partner policy will be 

removed from 2020. 

4. Policy Goals for 2019/2020 

4.1 2018 Remit 25 = the development 

of a strategy to help associations 

engage with the 50-65 

year-old members, as per the 

Fifty Plus policy 

4.2. Advocate for the provision of 

training for Work and Income 

case managers to address the 

specific needs of older work 

seekers – refer to Welfare Expert 

Advisory Group recommendations 

4.3 Provide advice to the lobby 

team re the removal of the unqualified 

partner policy - to 

occur in conjunction with the 

Superannuation and Taxation 

and Social Services National 

Advisory Groups 

Jan Pentecost 

Chair 

HEALTH 

I have received a number of inquiries 

about the criteria used by District 

Health Boards. Having got nowhere 

with individual DHBs I contacted the 

Ministry of Health. Suddenly the flood 

gates opened and I had a teleconference 

with two people involved in monitoring 

elective surgery in DHBs. 

What I did establish is that the criteria 

for elective surgery is personal to 

each DHB and there is no requirement 

for them to make it public. However, 

the criteria for cataract surgery has 

been obtained under the Official Information 

act and I can get access to 

this. I was further advised that there 

is a system that shows how many and 

what surgeries are done by each DHB. 

The offer was made for me to go and 

spend an afternoon at the MOH to 

see how this works. I will be seeking 

permission at the Board meeting to go 

and look at the system and get you an 

update in my next health report. 

Here in the Southern DHB area we 

are still encountering major problems 

with home help and in the course of 

making inquiries with various groups 

it has now been established that they 

are still working under the conditions 

which prevailed before the settlement. 

I find it quite incredible that this is the 

situation and wonder if it is the same 

in other DHBs. I have been told our 

contracts will be looked into next year 

but that does nothing to alleviate the 

current situation. 

In closing can I remind you of the 

recent memo re getting consumers 

to stand for District Health Boards. I 

would also ask that you look carefully 

at what candidates are offering and if 

elected hold them accountable. 

Jo Millar 

Chair 

LAW & ORDER, EMERGEN- 

CY MANAGEMENT – no report 

received 

LOCAL BODIES, HOUSING AND 

TRANSPORT 

Transport 

Safety for all users remains the dominant 

objective of our policy and advocacy. 

While the issue for comment 

of the Government’s Road Safety 

Strategy will absorb a large part of 

my time and effort over this and the 

coming reporting period, we are still 

working with both Movement and 

Footpaths for Feet to oppose the 

current decision by the NZTA which 

allows electric scooters to operate 

on the footpath . 

I’m grateful to those associations 

and members who have contacted me 

with their concerns, and in particular 

to Ken Carter for the information on 

Hauraki District Council’s proactive 

action to counter this by utilising their 

by-laws. During this period we have 

written to Ministers Genter, Sepuloni 

and Twyford pointing out the NZTA 

decision contravenes the UN Convention 

on the rights of people with disabilities 

and met with Minister Sepuloni 

to seek her support. 

Although the danger to vulnerable 

pedestrians young and old, has grabbed 

the headlines, we are also pointing out 

in our advocacy that so called ‘dockless’ 

appliances pose a hazard on their 

own when not in use to those with less 

than perfect sight or limited mobility, 

often being dropped carelessly across 

the footpath. 

While at first glance the Road Safety 

Strategy consultation document ‘Road 

to Zero’ aligns very well with our policies, 

the devil will inevitably be in the 

detail, and already there is knee jerk 

push back from vested interests that 

still see profit as more important than 

human safety. 

We particularly endorse the objective 

of ‘creating a transport culture 

that values and protects human 

life’, and the acknowledgement that 

roads and streets are far more than 

a part of the transport system. That 

they should ‘… be places where people 

meet, shop and where children 

play, rather than just a means of 

moving people and freight between 

destinations. Our environment is a 

key determinant of public health, access, 

and the ease of incorporating 

physical activity into our day-to-day 

lives’ and that this principle should be 

central to how safety is considered on 

different roads. 

It is clear from the responses to the 

members’ survey that two thirds of 

members walk or run for pleasure in 

addition to the walking necessary to 

normal day-to-day activities, so their 

ability to use the footpath without 

fear of injury is a critical component 

in maintain their physical and mental 

health. 

Local Government 

Our advocacy in this area continues 

to focus on the provision and maintenance 

of key infrastructure, as well as 

the options for funding and financing 

these items. Although there is increasing 

acknowledgement of the difficulty 

for older people on fixed incomes 

when faced with ever increasing rates 

bills, this is unfortunately not matched 

by practical new solutions. 

Our policy here is on alleviation 

of the rates burden by increasing 

the amount of rates rebate, coupled 

with an increase in the cut 

off point for the maximum rebate 

to more than the married couple 

rate of NZS. 

The good news is that an increasing 

number of councils are looking to 

increase their stock of pensioner and 

social housing, often after protracted 

and determined advocacy by local 

GP associations. I hope to be able to 

build up a portfolio of arguments and 

strategies used by these associations 

so that they can be shared around the 

country. 

Housing 

An increasing number of commentators 

and industry experts are promoting 

the kind of solutions to the housing 

crisis that our policies are based 

on, and at long last the Government 

seems to be turning its attention to a 

rapid increase in the state rental stock. 

However, analysis shows that both in 

NZ and overseas, it is only government 

funding and provision of infrastructure 

as a strategic asset that gives 

the kind of step change in provision 

that will be necessary to re-establish 

affordability both for rental and freehold 

properties. 

The introduction of the healthy 

homes provisions for rental homes 

goes a long way towards our objective 

of a housing warrant of fitness, and we 

will continue to advocate for a compulsory 

extension to all properties at 

a political level and with the Ministry 

of Housing and Urban Development. 

Climate Change Response (Zero 

Carbon) Amendment Bill 

As this Bill affects all parts of my 

portfolio I prepared a submission on 

behalf of the board. 

The necessary changes to how we 

see and use transport is self-evident. 

However, it also has major implications 

for local authorities and for 

older people as individuals through 

the costs of failure to address climate 

change. With many of our members 

living in the most vulnerable areas 

especially in Christchurch, Dunedin, 

Lower Hutt, Napier and Thames already 

facing unaffordable or non-existent 

insurance for their properties. 

P. Matcham 

Chair 

RETIREMENT INCOME AND 

TAXATION – no report received 

SOCIAL SERVICES 

Report on Expert Advisory 

Group meeting re the Positive 

Ageing Strategy 

25 June 2019 

The purpose of the group this time 

was to a) evaluate the submissions 

which were made on the draft document, 

and b) go through the document 

suggesting changes which would 

improve it. 

a) 220 submissions were made, by 

groups and individuals. Many of 

the comments belong to the Action 

Plan, which will follow once the 

text of the Strategy has been finally 

approved, rather than the Strategy 

itself. Others were evaluated and 

either included or rejected as being 

already covered by the document. 

b) The draft document was examined 

section by section, with members 

suggesting alterations to text, diagrams 

and general information. 

Generally, the new format and presentation 

was found to be much improved 

on the 10-year-old version. 

Various refinements were proposed 

as we went through the Strategy and 

these are to be sent out to members 

for approval before the document 

is presented to the Minister for 

her endorsement. 

c) It is expected that, following its acceptance 

by Cabinet, the Strategy 

will be launched in early November. 

At that point, the Action Plan 

and supporting documents will be 

produced. The group recommended 

that there be a follow-up and 

review of the Strategy at five-yearly 

intervals. 

K. de Lacy 

Chair 

TELECOMMUNICATIONS – 

nothing new to report

50 


Upcoming Cannabis 

Referendum Report 

BY KEVIN GARDENER 

Zone 5 Director 

Mate Marinovich report to the Government 

and I were and have input in forming 

asked to attend the legislation. 

a half day discussion on Some of the recommendations 

the upcoming cannabis 

included “On- 

referendum, representing 

line Sales” through the In- 

NZ Grey Power, and ternet, restricting sales to 

Kevin Gardener 

its policy, on 6 August. those over 20 years of age, 

Zone 5 Director 

CBD must complete the 

We were asked as all less severe punishment for 

reporting requirements 

the Board were involved law breakers, licensing of 

to Medsafe as required by 

with their Quarterly sellers. No public advertising 

Kevin Gardener SUBMISSION ON THE Section 29 of the Medi- 

Board Meeting. 

of product similar 

USE OF CANNABIS 

cines Act 1981. The CBD 

The half day meeting to current cigarette and 

IN VARIOUS FORMS products that are imported 

took place in the office tobacco sales. The NZ Given that the Government 

NAMELY CANNABIDIOL 

from overseas are 

of the NZ Drug Foundation, 

Drug Foundation draft 

and all sectors of the (CBD) FOR MEDICINAL limited as many of these 

Wakefield Street, recommendation includes health system are doing PURPOSES: 

products from the country 

Wellington. The purpose 

allowing home growing of their upmost to eliminate 

of origin do not meet the 

of the meeting was plants with restrictions on tobacco smoking, why INTRODUCTION: New Zealand definition as 

to try and influence the numbers. Any penalties would they promote cannabis 

The passing of the Misuse the THC content is far too 

to take its place? of Drugs Act (Medicinal high. 

final shape of the draft for home growing would 

bill, if the Referendum be civil not criminal, Grey all Power There CodeWord are violent robberies 

No. 17 Cannabis (September Amendment 19) The CBD by products PMH cur- 

returns a “Yes” vote to edible products should 

being carried out now Act) means some prodrently 

in New Zealand are 

legalise cannabis. 

have harm-related Each messages, 

and information already been given. products Start being by filling the in prime these ones, diol and oil build (CBD) the words produced in the grid ucts currently available 

number in with the grid the represents theft of tobacco a letter of the ucts alphabet. containing Three letters cannabi- 

have limited. None of the prod- 

The attendees included 

representatives from on potency and from dosage. there. When target, you have why completed should there 

grid, from you will the be able cannabis to solve plant the have consent for distribution 

various organisations, Explore options coded that give message. be another product legitimised 

are now prescription 

in New Zealand. 

and Government departments; 

Maori communities preftry 

to create another medicines only. 

Strict export restric- 

including Miniserential 

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of Justice, Ministry of market. 

attacks. 

found in cannabis that has other countries will continue 

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17 with 12 little 11or 12 no psycho- 

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Dependency & Housing, 

grandparents raising have some thoughts 

this meeting I personally 

15 11 16 2minimum 14 13 4for users 14 9 of 13 

15 

on 

4 

cannabis is 

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15 

but 

18 

active 

19 

properties. C D Zealand. The range of 

grandchildren, six to seven 

the matter, considering to this similar legislation has CBD is no longer a CBD products available in 

psychiatrists, a clinical quote Grey Power 

3 

policy 

9 7 11 

not 

18 

prevented 

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underage 

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psychologist and a police – Grey Power is totally 11 opposed 

smoking 11 and 3 alcohol 18 use. 11 under the Misuse of Drugs to increase if domestic cul- 

association Spokesman. A 

to any legislation of Online internet order- 

Act 1975 and is a prescriptivation, 

manufacture of 

total of 36 attendees. 

15 18 2 

Cannabis apart from medicinal 

5 15 10 9 13 5 15 

ing and supply of canna- 

5 13 

tion medicine under the medicinal cannabis prod- 

I felt the tenure of the 

cannabis products, 6 bis 12 products 11 would 2 surely Medicines 12 Act 1981. ucts is allowed and estab- 

meeting agreed that the the products must only then lead to posties and As with all prescription lished. It is agreed that if 

13 2 15 15 3 11 15 4 5 20 17 4 

Referendum will return a be available on soctors' couriers also becoming a medicines, patients must the legislation is altered to 

“Yes” vote to legalise cannabis 

prescription and supplied 

3 9 target 11 for criminals. 

5 18 have 4 a prescription from allow for the cultivation, 

Grey and Power therefore CodeWord by through No. a licensed 17 (September chemist 

12 16 4 11 

19) All in all it was 

14 4 12by 1PMH 

a very an authorised prescriber 

to import or use CBD and prescription of CBD 

manufacture, distribution 

Grey Power CodeWord No. 17 (September 19) 

PMH19 12 3 9 

having this meeting, it will via the Pharmac system. eye opening experience 

Each number in the grid represents letter of the alphabet. 2 Three 11letters have 4 12 9 9 products. 20 

products in New Zealand, 


already been given. Start by filling in these ones, and build the words in the grid 

already been given. Start by filling in these ones, and build 

from there. When you have completed the grid, you will 

15 the 

be able 

5 words 10 

to solve 

17 in the grid 

In summary therefore, 

CBD is no longer Zealand patients are pay- 

the 

6 18 2 15 11 14 13 11 

the exorbitant price New 

from there. When you have completed the grid, you will be able to solve the 



a controlled drug. CBD ing currently should reduce 

drastically. 

1 2 3 4 5 6 3 7 8 9 4 10 

From page 32 

CODED LETTER MESSAGE VALUES 

however may at times 

1 2 3 4 5 6 3 7 8 9 4 10 LETTER VALUES 

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of tetrahydrocannabinols there is a strong interest 

15 11 16 2 14 13 4 14 9 13 17 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 

11 12 13 

15 4 17 15 18 19 

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15 4 17 15 18 19 

C D 

related substances. These the medical community, 

T R I C K E D V I P E R 

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in CBD products. various Government agen- 

New Zealand citizens and 

3 9 7 11 18 9 8 11 14 2 11 10 

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6 12 11 2 12 

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E F U N C T N A C H O must not exceed 2 percent CBD products in New Zealand 

V Ato be Sused for medic- 

I N Q U I S I T I V E 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

3 9 11 5 18 

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3 9 11 5 18 4 T Puzzles H D R B of the 

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12 16 4 11 14 4 12 1 19 12 3 

K R E Y I T L9 

and psychoactive related 

substances contained by licensed health practiinal 

purposes prescribed 

A Y E R A V E N U E S 

11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 

12 16 4 11 14 4 12 1 19 12 3 9 

E O C N D F H R B G 

A U T2 O N11 O M4 Y www.printablesudoku99.com 

12 F A 9 I R 9 20 E E L R E 

2 11 4 12 9 9 20 

in the product. 

tioners. 

B W15 5 T10 17 E 6 P18 2 D15 11Y 

14 13 11 D R U I D S A C I D I C 

15 5 10 17 6 18 2 15 11 14 13 11 

Currently patients, 

U N I C O R N L A U D S 

P O E U O CODED MESSAGE 

pharmacies, medical practitioners 

Grey Power would support 

and wholesalers this initiative conditional 

K N U T O C T C U D D L E D T I G H T 

17 12 6 11 10 6 18 5 14 20 10 

CODED MESSAGE 

CODED MESSAGE 


I N 17 E R12 T6 11 S E10 D6 A18T 5 E 14S 

20 10 L 11 A4 11 E18 14 I 9 3 R T import CBD products into on the following 

17 12 6 11 10 6 18 5 14 20 10 11 4 11 18 14 9 3 

Word to the Wise: Dissimulate 

O F T E N T O M B O L A New Zealand. This process parameters: 

11 4 11 18 14 9 3 

Sudoku Puzzle 1 Solution 

Sudoku Puzzle 2 Solution is further 

U E T O A A G E T 

regulated 

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under 

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the term “non consented • Medicinal cannabis 

5 2 7 9 8 3 6 1 4 D I S H 7 P 9 R 5 U D4 E 3 N C6 E 1 8 2 

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6 8 9 4 1 5 7 2 3 8 3 1 7 2 9 5 6 4 

M U L T I P L Y V A T S 

3 E4 O1 2 O 6 E 7 U 8 C5 N9 LETTER VALUES6 2 4 8 5 1 7 9 3 

E O O E U C N 



1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 

2 7 4 8 5 9 1 3 6 1 2 3 4 15 65 7 3 8 9 10 

6 2 4 7 8 

D T H D R B M U L T I P Y V A S 

11 12 13 14 16 17 8 L5 A Y3 E 1 R 7 A V6 E 9 N U4 E S2 11 12 13 14 415 16 7 17 618 519 201 8 3 2 9 

E O C N D F H R B G 

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17 12 6 11 10 6 18 5 14 20 10 


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Sudoku Puzzle 3 Solution 

CODED MESSAGE 

CODED MESSAGE 

Sudoku Puzzle © Pam Hutton 4 Solution 


6 3 4 8 9 5 1 2 7 7 8 1 5 9 2 6 3 4 

© © Pam Pam Hutton 2019 2019 | www.puzzlebeetle.co.nz 

| LETTER VALUES 

E T E R N A L 

© Pam Hutton 2019 

from my perspective to 

observe the enthusiasm of 

some in the room for the 

prospect of legalisation 

of cannabis. With all the 

legislation in the world, it 

will not provide less work 

for all the services, police 

ambulance, fire etc. 

Having all these organisations 

there, I hope it 

is not misconstrued as a 

tacit approval for the legislation 

of cannabis. Once 

legalised there is no going 

back. It would be like trying 

to put toothpaste back 

in the tube. 


medicines” and can only 

be imported by authorised 

prescribers for a particular 

patient under their care or 

by pharmacists pursuant 

to prescription for a particular 

patient. Patients in 

New Zealand may import 

up to three months' supply 

of CBD product into 

New Zealand if they have 

reasonable excuse. (That 

would be an original letter 

or original prescription 

from a New Zealand authorised 

prescriber). 

Note: an import licence 

is not needed however 

wholesalers, pharmacists 

and any person importing 

© Pam Hutton 2019 

(CBD) must contain 

less than 2 Percent OF 

the THC, CBD and psychoactive 

related substances 

content in the 

product. 

• Medicinal cannabis 

(CBD) must not be in 

a form that facilitates 

it to be smoked or inhaled 

in any way. 

• The (CBD)products 

may incluse oils, tinctures, 

creams, capsule 

or pill forms. 

• The manufacturers 

of (CBD) must be licensed, 

there must be 

a regulatory appointed 

inspection body who 

regularly tests/checks/ 

analyse approve (CBD) 

products to ensure they 

meet the requirements 

set out under term of 

manufacturing license 

and the prescription 

medicines act. 

• Any (CBD) product required 

for medicinal 

purposes must be prescribed 

by trained doctors 

or other proved, 

licensed trained health 

specialists. 

• Grey Power would 

support the cultivation 

manufacture of 

medicinal cannabis 

products (CBD), the 

cultivation of cannabis 

for this purpose must 

only be carried out by 

licensed companies under 

a term of amended 

legislation which must 

include strict security 

conditions for the cultivation. 

Manufacture, 

transportation and 

storage of CBD products. 

• Grey Power supports 

legislation that would 

include substantial 

fines and/or imprisonment 

for any unauthorised 

person not 

licensed apprehended 

cultivating, manufacturing, 

supplying 

(CBD) products without 

a license 

• Grey Power supports 

the initiative to conduct 

an ongoing survey by a 

regulatory body to determine 

and identify 

the benefits and/or any 

problems or concerns 

associated with people 

using CBD products 

or their cultivation, 

manufacture or supply 

within New Zealand.


1. Tours designed for New Zealanders and 

Australians: Travel with like minded people on 

tours tailored to include a number of special 

experiences. 

2. Intimate group size: Our group sizes are 

typically between 15-25, on full sized modern 

coaches so you have plenty of space. 

Southern Africa 

May 2020, 22 Days 

A land of diverse and rich history. 

Atacama & Cuba 

May 2020, 21 Days 

From vast desert to perfect beaches. 

Heartland & Mississippi 

May 2020, 26 Days 

Music and culture on the Mississippi. 

3. Well-paced without the rush: We 

deliberately pace our tours with multiple night 

stays where possible to allow for free time and 

relaxation. 

Turkey & Greece 

May 2020, 29 Days 

The bridge between East and West. 

Autumn in Tasmania 

March 2020, 14 Days 

Our annual sell out tour. 

Murray River Run 

March 2020, 16 Days 

Magnificent vistas on a relaxed cruise. 

With 30 tours spanning Europe, The Americas, Africa, Asia and Australia we have an itinerary to 

suit everyone. Along with our inclusive coverage of the globe, comes our all-inclusive service. 

Allow our friendly team to take care of all the details for you. 

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For our full range of tours or to request more information visit www.mahertours.co.nz 

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4. Experienced tour leaders: You’ll be 

travelling with a company that has friendly and 

experienced tour leaders who work with local 

guides who know the destination. They are 

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themselves and handle any challenging 

moments, leaving you to just have fun. 

5. No stress: Let us take care of all the details 

and planning, while you can relax and enjoy the 

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For those who have not travelled with us, we are a leading TAANZ certified and 

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fully escorted tours to all over the globe. We have been operating escorted tours for 

over 45 years and we have a passion for providing our clients with tours that exceed 

their expectations. 

Travel is often as much about the people you are with as it is the places you explore. 

Our clients always mention how fantastic it is that complete strangers can come 

together, enjoy each other’s company and become best of friends during the tour. 

Sharing a once in a lifetime experience with likeminded people from New Zealand 

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special. 

Many of our passengers travel by themselves and we usually have several solo 

travellers on each tour. Some wish to pay the single supplement so that they have 

their own room, but many others prefer to share for companionship and to keep 

costs down. If you would like to share, we will do our utmost to match you up with 

another traveller. 

When booking on one of our tours, you will receive a series of newsletters leading up 

to your departure containing important information such as passport, visa, & health 

requirements, recommending clothing, expected climate, and departure details. We 

take away all the hard work, we are always on hand and are very happy to assist 

where required. 

Join us on our Antarctica Cruise with Seabourn. 

Or see the highlights of ancient and modern day China. 

Look forward to helping you plan your trip of a lifetime! 

The team at Maher Escorted Tours 

Make new friends and find like-minded travel buddies!

52 


TRAVEL 

New Tauranga cruise hub will improve 

Chatham Islands 

Get away on an adventure to the Chathams. 

Explore the diverse landscape and discover 

the history, heritage and culture that have 

shaped these unique islands. 

Enjoy seven nights boutique lodge 

accommodation with genuine 

Chatham Islander hosts. 

All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) 

included. 

Explore the rugged landscape from 

ocean beaches and rocky coastlines to 

the endemic flora and fauna on daily 

tours. 

ALL INCLUSIVE SMALL GROUP 

TOUR DEPARTS: 

Auckland 

17 October 2019 

20 February 2020 

Wellington 

3 February 2020 

All tours are escorted. 

Let the Scenery Unravel 

with Twilight Travel 

Small Group Tour Specialist 

Twilight Travel & Tours 

Freephone: 0800 999 887 

www.twilighttravel.co.nz 

Twilight Travel & Tours, approved broker of the Travel Managers Group 

IATA Accredited and Bonded 

visitor experience 

The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) has announced it will 

provide $1 million towards funding the construction of 

Te Tomokanga (Archway), the proposed new Tauranga 

Cruise Gateway and Welcome Hub. 

BY DAVID PORTER 

The funding adds to $4 million that 

Tauranga City Council had already 

earmarked for the centre, which 

will replace the temporary infrastructure 

that currently welcomes cruise ship visitors. 

The new hub is expected to drive a 35 

percent increase in cruise ship numbers, 

boosting the amount spent by visitors. 

The Hub will primarily cater to cruise 

ship passengers, but will assist visitors to 

Mount Maunganui arriving by car, as well 

as local residents. It will feature an i-Site 

and covered areas that will allow a range 

of uses including markets and concerts, 

and will replace an inadequate temporary 

structure currently used to process cruise 

ship passengers. 

Regional Economic Development Minister 

Shane Jones noted that roughly half 

of all cruise passengers also visited Rotorua, 

Whakatāne and Hobbiton. 

“Providing a fit-for-purpose gateway, 

which provides links to the rest of the region 

will help the Bay take an important 

step in its tourism industry,” said Jones. 

Last season, the local economy benefited 

by about $91 million from the 223,000 

cruise ship passengers who visited. Bay of 

Plenty’s tourism visitor spend is expected 

to increase by 60 per cent over the next 

decade, reaching $1.45 billion by 2028. 

Te Tomokanga, Tauranga's new 

cruise hub, will allow the region 

to present its best face to visitors. 

Graphic/Supplied. 

Tourism Bay of Plenty chief executive 

Kristin Dunne said she was thrilled by the 

funding, which she said was the result of 

years of planning and collaboration between 

Tauranga City Council, Tourism 

The Ovation of the Seas in Tauranga: 

the largest cruise ship to visit New 

Zealand. Photo/TourismBOP. 

Visit our website for all details on upcoming trips 

www.takeiteasytours.nz 

Phone 06 344 7465 | Freephone 0508 4U2CNZ 

Email info@takeiteasytours.nz 

Northern Explorer 

25th Jan - 3rd Feb 

Chatham Islands 

5th - 12th Mar 

Samoa 

June 2020 

Wild West Coast 

24th Nov – 2nd Dec 

Far North 

25th Jan – 2nd Feb 

Summer Cruise 

31th Jan – 4th Feb 

Coromandel Escape 

23rd – 29th Feb 

Great Barrier Island 

30th – 2nd April 

Tasmania 

5th – 15th April 

Fiordland Discovery 

2nd – 10th Oct 2020 

ITS FREE TO RECEIVE OUR MONTHLY NEWSLETTER 

Plus plenty more to come!! 

Contact us for a full itinerary today or view it here: 

www.takeiteasytours.nz FREE PHONE 0508 482 269

TRAVEL 

Attached is our ad ‘copy’ for the forthcoming September issue of Gr 

Again, please include our new company colour coding for the headi 

border (as per our last June ad format) and the correct year at the to 

NZ GREYPOWER 

Trust 

MAGAZINE » 

all ok, look forward 

SEPTEMBER 

to receiving your 


proof before 

53 

going to prin 

“The additional 

funding will 

allow for the 

design of a space 

that facilitates 

pōwhiri, has a 

community area, 

and tells the 

region’s unique 

cultural stories.” 

- Kristin Dunne. 

ESCORTED TOURS 2019/20 

“Hassle-free travel for mature travellers”. 

• SOUTH ISLAND RAIL TOUR 

10 days, depart 21 November. Enjoy 

the best South Island rail services, quality 

hotels and sightseeing activities. 

• NEW ZEALAND CHRISTMAS TOURS 

Join one of our special Christmas tours to 

Rotorua/Wairakei & Chateau or the South 

Island. 

Bay of Plenty, the community and Tauranga 

iwi Ngai te Rangi. 

“We look forward to working with the 

council on this great new large, weather-proof 

centre,” she said. 

Dunne said the design of Te Tomokanga 

began three years ago.The designer 

started with a blank sheet of paper, and 

with representatives from hapu they designed 

a signature building concept that 

reflects our history, our culture and our 

stories. 

“The additional funding will allow 

for the design of a space that facilitates 

pōwhiri, has a community area, and tells 

the region’s unique cultural stories,” said 

Dunne. 

Tourism good for economy 

Tauranga Mayor Greg Brownless said 

that the funding would serve both cruise 

Shanes Jones announces the new Hub 

funding in Tauranga. Photo/Supplied. 

ship passengers and the general tourist 

and visitor market. 

“Tourism is good for our local and regional 

economy and I’m pleased that government 

has made a contribution to the 

cost of facilities.” 

Bay of Plenty’s tourism visitor spend is 

expected to increase by 60 per cent over 

the next decade, reaching $1.45 billion by 

2028. 

The Cruise Hub would support Bay of 

Plenty’s goal of creating 4000 new jobs in 

tourism, said Jones. 

“The old welcome centre is made out of 

two converted cargo containers and provides 

neither a warm welcome to visitors 

nor tells the stories of the people of Bay of 

Plenty,” he said. 

“The new hub, Te Tomokanga, will allow 

the region to present its best face to 

visitors. More and more tourists are visiting 

Bay of Plenty and the region has done 

a great job of marketing itself as a visitor 

destination. This new facility is crucial for 

providing a positive visitor experience as 

numbers increase.” 

“This project has been identified as an 

infrastructure priority for Bay of Plenty 

and has support from across the whole region, 

including Destination Rotorua, iwi, 

businesses and regional tourism organisations,” 

Shane Jones said. 

(NB: Funding from the Provincial 

Growth Fund is approved in principle 

and announced, after which contracts 

are negotiated. Some funding may depend 

on completion of business cases.) 

• NAPIER ART DECO TOUR 

5 days, depart 20 February. Enjoy New 

Zealand’s celebration of the Art Deco style 

in Napier. A unique and fun event! 

• ARABIAN SEA & SUEZ CANAL TOUR 

28 days, depart 27 March. Includes a 

fantastic 15 night Celebrity cruise from 

Dubai to Rome via the Suez Canal. 

• DUNEDIN & CENTRAL OTAGO ‘AUTUMN 

MAGIC’ 

6 days, depart 14 April. Enjoy Dunedin, 

Central Otago sightseeing & Arrowtown 

‘Autumn Festival’ activities. 

• FIORDLAND & STEWART ISLAND 

10 days, depart 20 April. Highlights 

include The Catlins, Stewart Island 

Excursion, Doubtful Sound Cruise and 

overnight cruise Milford Sound. 

• SOUTH AFRICA EXPLORER 

20 days, depart 14 May. Experience a 

wonderful diversity of scenery, history and 

abundant wildlife. 

• EUROPE ‘BALTIC CRUISE’ TOUR 

28 days, depart 04 July. Enjoy a 14 

night roundtrip cruise ex London and 

sightseeing in Paris & London with 

Eurostar rail travel in between plus 

stopovers in Singapore. 

For full details 

Freephone 0800 11 60 60 

www.travelwiseholidays.co.nz 

200654AC 

ESCORTED TOURS 

TREASURES OF VIETNAM & CAMBODIA 

15 Days $4799pp share twin - departs 17th November 2019 - Only 6 seats left!! 

Join us on this exclusive tour to see two diverse neighbours - Vietnam and Cambodia. Including 

return airfares on Singapore airlines. Visit the bustling capital of Hanoi with its modern French 

Colonial and Vietnamese architecture (2 nights). Cruise on a traditional Junk with overnight 

accommodation and beautiful meals as we sail the UNESCO Heritage site of Halong Bay. Spend 3 

nights in charming Hoi An, beach, art galleries & street markets. Then head to Saigon (bike city!) - 3 

nights, enjoy the sights and sounds of this amazing city including a day trip to Mekong Delta & the 

Cu Chi Tunnels. Join our short flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. (3 nights). 

Visit world renowned Angkor Wat & the huge Tonle Sap Lake (largest freshwater last in South-east 

Asia). Includes all breakfasts, most lunches & dinners & all sightseeing. 

WEST COAST PANORAMA 

Featuring Tranz Alpine Railway & Coastal Pacific Rail 

8 Days $3999pp share twin - departs 15th March 2020 

Includes return flights from Auckland, Tauranga and Wellington - all breakfasts and dinners, 

sightseeing, quality accommodations, rail journeys, quality coaches & free home pick up & return grom 

greater Auckland, Wellington & Tauranga areas. *Conditions apply. 

Join us as we fly to Blenheim for overnight before joining the Coastal Pacific Train to enjoy the 

astonishingly beautiful scenery as we travel beside the Pacific Ocean on our journey to Christchurch. 

A two night stay in the Garden City with sightseeing to see for ourselves the new and exciting shape 

of post-earthquake Christchurch. We include dinner in the tramcar restaurant as we travel through 

the inner city. Another Rail highlight as we join the famous Tranz Alpine Rail Journey to Greymouth. 

We join our coach and visit the Pancake Rocks before overnighting at our beachfront accommodation! 

Simply fabulous. Re-join our coach for the journey to Franz Josef and our overnight at the stunning 

5 star Te Waonui Forest Retreat. Check out the amazing views of the Glacier and then marvel at 

the scenes that unfold at every turn on our way to Queenstown where we spend two nights. Enjoy 

sightseeing including Arrowtown and a farewell cruise with dinner at Walter Peak. 

RHODODENDRON FESTIVAL 

New Plymouth 

$1899pp share twin from Auckland 5 days Departs 7 Nov 2019 

(Price available from other centres) 

Coach to New Plymouth (3 nights) Novotel. All breakfasts and dinners. See an impressive range of 

gardens on display, also art in the Garden displays, Len lye Building, incredible Tawhiti Musuem, Travel 

and Forgotten highway with a stop at the Republic of Whangamomona with scones and tea and then 

overnight at the iconic Chateau Tongariro before visiting Hamilton Gardens on our return to Auckland. 

SYDNEY STAYPUT 

Handa Opera on the Harbour Featuring ‘La Traviata’ 

5 Days $3199pp share twin - departs 29th March 2020 

Join us to be part of this incredible spectacle on Sydney Harbour. The costumes, the stage set 

on the harbour, the fireworks, the 3.5 tonne chandelier with 10,000 Swarovski crystals! We 

stay at the five-star Shangri La, with breakfasts and dinners included, as well as a visit to the 

Botanical Gardens Parramatta for a light lunch + glass of bubbles and a farewell sunset cruise 

on the harbour. Including return airfares from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. 

FREE home pick up & return Auckland/Wellington/Christchurch *conditions apply 

Z6120J 

SUPREME TOURS & TRAVEL LTD 54 Wellesley St West, Auckland 1010 

Freephone: 0800 809 300 . Phone: 09 309 9822 . Email: statltd@xtra.co.nz . www.supremetoursandtravel.com 

TAANZ bonded for your protection and member of Iata

54 


TRAVEL 

Exciting new 

destinations added 

The YOURTours team has been busy over the past few 

months ensuring the full programme of our 2020 tours 

was ready to roll out by the end of August. 

Next year sees the addition of 

some exciting new destinations 

including Cornwall and 

Northumberland, Alaska and Canada, 

Paris to Rome plus South America, 

along with some old favourites including 

Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Turkey and India. 

While the tours are fully hosted, 

because they are designed with 50 plus 

travellers in mind, they offer them the 

flexibility to rest and relax on those days 

they just want to take some time out for 

themselves. 

“The tour design team is also 

delighted to have recently finished the 

development of our luxury Amazing 

Antarctica tour and Seabourn cruise 

departing in November 2021, which is 

no doubt a bucket list item for many and 

sure to sell out quickly,” says director of 

YOURTours, Peter Roddam. 

“It may seem we create these tours 

well in advance - however our April 2020 

tour to Egypt, which includes the very 

special 14 night Long Cruise from Cairo 

- was fully sold out 12 months before 

departure.” 

All of our YOURTours Hosts are 

experienced travellers and with Peter 

also being certified by the International 

Tours Management Institute, ensures the 

very best in tour industry standards is 

passed on to the team locally. This means 

the highest level of service for travelling 

guests is assured at all times. 

The team are all passionate about 

travel and sharing their knowledge, 

meaning they often find those secret 

nooks and crannies on our tours other 

may not know about. 

Says Diane Ashburner, Tour Host: 

“We really love what we do and nothing 

gives me more pleasure than a broad 

smile on someone’s face, after discovering 

something new.” 

“Our ethos is to offer our 

customers the exact style 

of travel they want, so 

with that in mind, this 

is exactly the type of 

tour we have designed.” 

- Peter Roddam, Director 

of YOURTours. 

For more information about 

YOURtours please feel free to sign up for 

our Newsletter and be the first to hear 

about new tours and travel news. 

Favourite destination - Alsace, France. 

Keeping older travellers happy. 

DISCOVER 

CORNWALL & 

NORTHUMBERLAND 

From Your Front Door & Back Again 

HOSTED SMALL GROUP PREMIUM TOURS 

29 th June 2020 

From south to north discovering quaint villages, 

pirate coves, coastal secrets and indulging at Ricks 

Steins Restaurant all before beginning our journey 

north into the ancient and magical county of 

Northumberland. TV host Robson Green can often be 

heard saying “Northumberland is a well-kept secret 

and hidden gem”. Join us as we explore these two 

breath-taking counties. 

Tour Inclusions 

Door - Door 

Home pickup + dropoff 

Fully Hosted 

YOURTours host all the way 

Flights 

Return from New Zealand 

Accommodation 

Premium Quality throughout 

Local Tour Manager 

Expert guiding throughout 

Meals 

Covered Daily as per itinerary 

Tour Excursion Fees 

Itinerary entrance/excursion fees 

Gratuities 

All paid on your behalf 

From Your Front Door & Back Again 

VIETNAM & 

CAMBODIA 

31 st March 2020 

Immerse yourself in the 

hustle and bustle of Ho 

Chi Minh City and the 

French Quarter. Wander 

the lantern lined alleyways. 

Visit the tailor and perhaps 

have a new outfit made. 

Relax at our resort beach 

on the beautiful An Bang 

Beach and be mesmerised 

by the ancient temples of 

Siem Reap. Be part of our 

fully escorted tour that 

will excite, invigorate and 

tantalise you. 

CAPTIVATING 

CANADA & ALASKA 

13 th May 2020 

Explore Alaska’s rugged 

charm on our luxury 13 day 

tour & cruise. 

TANTALISING TURKEY 

18 th September 2020 

Join our wonderful 18 day 

tour unearthing hidden 

gems and must-see 

highlights. 

SRI LANKA 

26 th July 2020 

This spectacular Emerald 

Isle is rich in culture, where 

the local people offer the 

warmest of welcomes. 

WONDERS OF 

SOUTH AMERICA 

October 2020 

Discovering the best of 

Argentina and Chile. 

PARIS TO ROME 

17 th August 2020 

An enchanting tour from 

Paris to Rome, including a 

10 day luxury river cruise in 

southern France. 

TASMANIA 

November 2020 

Explore the mystique of 

Tasmania whilst discovering 

it’s many delights, great 

food and unique animals. 

For more information visit our website or call 0800 470 005 

Maclean Street . Paraparaumu Beach . Kapiti 04 297 0008 

www.yourtours.co.nz

TRAVEL 


Fairbanks 

Denali 

ALASKA 

Talkeetna 

Anchorage 

Alyeska 

Seward 

to Auckland 

from Auckland 

CANADA 

Skagway 

Juneau 

Ketchican 

Calgary 

Inside Passage 

Banff 

Vancouver 

U.K. 

Trondheim 

Bergen Flåm 

Gudvangen 

Voss 

NORWAY 

Oslo 

from Auckland via Singapore 

Auckland via Singapore 

Alesund 

Kristiansund 

Honningsvåg 

Lofoten 

Hammerfest 

Tromsø 

Kirkenes 

SWEDEN 

Karlstad 

Örebro 

FINLAND 

Stockholm 

Copenhagen 

RUSSIA 

To Auckland via Hong Kong 

From Auckland via Hong Kong 

Portree 

Mailaig 

Ullapool 

Fort 

Fingal’s William 

Cave Glasgow 

Kirkwall 

Inverness 

Fort Augutus 

Dalwhinnie Distillery 

Dunkeld 

Edinburgh 

Giant’s Causeway SCOTLAND 

Derry 

Donegal 

ENGLAND 

IRELAND Belfast 

Dublin Manchester 

Liverpool 

Cairo 

KENYA 

EGYPT 

Masai Mara Reserve 

Nairobi 

Serenity on 

Red Sea 

the Lake 

Ole Safari Camp 

Amboseli NP 

Luxor 

Serengeti Sopa Lodge 

Lake Victoria 

From Auckland via Dubai 

Ngorongoro 

Arusha 

Aswan 

Crater 

TANZANIA 

To Auckland via Dubai 

From Auckland via Doha 

To Auckland via Doha 

GERMANY 

To Auckland via Hong Kong 

Berlin 

Dresden 

Prague 

POLAND 

CZECHIA 

Český Krumlov 

SLOVAKIA 

Vienna 

Linz 

Bratslavia HUNGARY 

Melk 

AUSTRIA Budapest Kalocsa 

Rome 

Mohacs 

Belgrade 

Donji Milanovac 

Turnu Severn 

Iron Gates 

ROMANIA 

Tulcea 

Oltenita 

Rothemburg 

FRANCE 

Stuttgart 

from Auckland via Singapore 

to Auckland via Singapore 

Basel 

Ulm 

Triberg 

GERMANY 

SWITZERLAND 

Zurich 

Nuremburg 

Munich

56 


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