ABOUT US

Creating Meaningful Impact for our Older Community

The Beginning

Grey Power Federation was founded in February 1986 as a voluntary organisation. Those involved in the early days were angry at the imposition of the surcharge on New Zealand Superannuation. Originally formed as the Auckland Superannuitants Association, Grey Power has grown nationally and gone from strength to strength. Today there are about 45,000 financial members that stem from more than 76 Associations that are spread throughout the country.

Grey Power Rotorua Inc was incorporated in October 1986 and has been serving our older residents since then as part of the Grey Power Federation. Grey Power Rotorua lobbies MPs and local government, in support of the Federation’s lobbying and as issues arrive locally.

While there is always more that can be done, there is no doubt that we are making a significant impact. We don’t measure our success through just facts and figures, but through happy faces and heartwarming feedback. See how you can become part of the difference.

Grey Power Federation’s Aims and Objectives

To advance, support and protect the welfare and well being of older people.
To affirm and protect that statutory right of every New Zealand resident, to a sufficient New Zealand Superannuation entitlement.
To strive for a provision of a quality Health Care to all New Zealand residents regardless of income and location.
To oppose all discriminatory and disadvantageous legislation affecting rights, security and dignity.
To be non aligned with any political party, and to present a strong united lobby to all Parliament and statutory Bodies on matters affecting New Zealanders.
To promote and establish links with kindred organisations.
To promote recognition of the wide-ranging services provided by senior citizens of New Zealand.
To gain recognition as an appropriate voice for all older New Zealanders.

Grey Power Achievements

Removal of the Surtax
Asset Testing Legislation being Phased Out
Lower doctors’ Fees
Lower Pharmacy Fees
Removal Over 80’s Driving Tests
Removal Simulated Driving Tests by Occupational Therapists
Lower Tariff Electricity
Superannuation Increased to 66% NATOTWW (net after tax ordinary time weekly wage)
Rate Rebate Scheme revitalised and more recently extended to include retirement village residents
Independent Superannuation & Income Centres
Improved Regulations for Rest Homes
Code of Practice for Rest Homes
Abolition of Interest on Student Loans
The National Superannuation Adjustment for the Tax Cuts in the 2008 Budget is a long awaited recognition by a major political party of the plight of the elderly reliant on NZ Superannuation
Hearing aid subsidy increased
Rates Rebate Scheme indexed to CPI. Amount now $580 (originally $500) and threshold now $23,240 (from 20,000 originally)
Spot Audits for Rest Homes
Retention of Graduating Doctors – (Student Loan)
Lowering Electricity Increase for ETS
Retention of SuperGold Card Off-Peak Travel
Retention of SuperGold Card Waiheke Island Ferry Travel
Increased funding for Gloucoma operations
Annual clothing allowance for grandparents raising grandchildren (In conjunction with Grandparents raising Grandchildren)
Winter Energy Payment
Security doors on most Council owned pensioner flats