May 2025 | Grey Power Rotorua

C Bavister

Secretary

May Ramblings

Here we are in May. If we were in England we could be dancing around the May pole welcoming spring, however for us, autumn is here. The trees are turning to golden browns and reds and make a spectacular landscape.

The new rates of superannuation have started to come through and the winter energy payment also starts in May. A good time to check that you have the right tax code.

Consider getting the flu vaccine. Talk to your health professional. I find that the pharmacist at the local chemist is a good person to talk about flu vaccine as well as COVID immunisation and others such as shingles. No cost if you are a SuperGold card holder either. Important Note: The shingles vaccination is only free for the 12 months after your 65th birthday.

For those of us who are applying for a rates rebate, a reminder that applications need to be in before 30 June 2025 otherwise you may not receive the maximum rebate. The maximum rates rebate that can be applied to your rates bill for 2024/25 is $790.

It has come to my notice that 3G phones will be discontinued. I am off to find out what network my old reliable phone is connected too. If your phone is an older model get it checked, you may be switched off.

You would have received the notification that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be on 29 May 2025, 11am, by now. It will be held at the Arawa Bowling Club, 64 Lytton Street, Rotorua. We will send you another notification with the links to the different reports for your preparation of attending the AGM.

The AGM is the time and place where we elect our committee. Besides the President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary the committee can have another eleven committee members. This will allow us to move forward, to liaise with council, to better interact with the members, community and other similar organisations. Let us know of your interest in joining the committee.

Investnow

Editor

Investment - Basics Information

Asset Allocation Rule of Thumb Guide

There is no 'best' asset allocation - it all depends on your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon.

In general, as investors age and their risk tolerance declines, they typically transition from more Growth Assets (like shares) to more Income Assets (like bonds).

Rule of 100 = Investors hold a percentage of stocks equal to 100 minus their age.
Life Cycle Funds = Diversified Funds that automatically replace (at pre-set levels) growth assets with income assets as the investor reaches certain age milestones.

Diversification is Essential

Portfolios built around multiple asset classes with a wide selection of underlying securities are better able to provide sustainable long-term returns. Diversification soothes portfolio performance over time while helping to protect investors against catastrophic losses. It is the key to investing success and can be undertaken at various levels.

6 Investment Key Principles

Understand the risk of investing
Determine your risk tolerance
Set your asset allocation
Diversify with each asset class
Consider incorporating different investment styles
Seek advice from the professionals

GP Federation

RePower

Editor

$2.50 Surcharge Removal

A remit from the Marlborough association to the Grey Power Federation reads:
"To lobby Government to seek the removal of the $2.50 surcharge imposed on
customers who need to pay their accounts in cash to the likes of NZ Post and
Kiwibank."

The Federation board agreed and accepted the remit. This surcharge has annoyed many of our members and the committee is in support of it.

RePower Batteries

Rechargeable batteries have a finite life span. They cannot hold the charge as good as when they were new depending on the quality, usage and charging process. Many times the equipment is still in good condition, but the battery is not up to it anymore. Don't buy new batteries or even a new piece of equipment just to get a new battery, instead get the battery refurbished.

Battery repacking can cost, in some cases 50% less, of the price of a new battery. By doing so, you also help the environment by reducing landfill waste and supporting recycling. Any tools, toys, ebikes/escooters and more with built-in rechargeable batteries of NiCd, NiMH, Lithium Ion (Li-ion) from 2.4V to 48V can be refurbished. The RePower company in Auckland provides this service. See their website for more details and arrange your refurbishment.

Grey Power Subscription

More than two thirds of our members have renewed their membership. We'd like to thank you for the continued support of Grey Power. Without your support, the organisation would fold very quickly. If you just realised that you haven't renewed your subscription yet, why not do it right now before it is forgotten again?

We also have had 15 members so far who paid us twice their subscription. We will contact you once the rush has quieten down to discuss your options. If you are not sure if you have paid, send us an email (info@greypowerrotorua.org.nz) or give our office a phone call (07 346 1739, Tuesday-Thursday, 11am - 2pm).