Advocacy for our Older Community
C Bavister
GPR Secretary
October Ramblings
The weather is warming up. Promise of power bill going down. Aren’t some of the things the candidates in the election are saying a bit fanciful. At least it gives the media something to do.
At the beginning of the month we took part in the Positive Aging Expo sponsored by Age Concern and held at Parksyde. There were over 30 displays and we were busy telling people about Grey Power, meeting many of you and giving information about what we do. Advocacy, lobbying governing agencies for a better deal for Seniors as well as access to Grey Power Electricity. Low cost electricity, gas, broadband and home phone plans; as well as the other benefits such as Resonate hearing. Any ideas about what we can do to get the message out would be welcomed.
We have just had a very successful “Meet the Candidates” forum. While there are many other meeting happening in the community, this one was focused on issues that affect all of us; Seniors. While the Greens and the Act party did not attend the other candidates for the Rotorua General Electorate gave good account of themselves and their parties vision. There were over 100 who attended the afternoon session and the 40ies in the evening. We all had the opportunity to speak with candidates on a one on one while enjoying a cup of tea and some delicious home baked hazelnut shortbread - Thanks Lyn. Soon it will be November 7th. Time to go to the polls. Please vote. If you don’t vote you can't complain.
This months story. In England thief’s stole two tankers of Guinness beer; 70,000 pints (about 30000 litres) worth about $270000. They must be going to have some party. They later recovered the trucks, but 800 pints were missing, never to be recovered. The police just need to look for a group with a huge hangover.
A reminder that if you wish to visit our office, we are now open Tuesday – Thursday 11am – 1pm.
Grey Power Manawatu
Newsletter
Grey Power Celebrates 40 Years of Advocacy for Older New Zealanders
Grey Power New Zealand is marking its 40th anniversary in 2026, celebrating four decades of independent advocacy on behalf of older New Zealanders — and reaffirming its commitment to fairness, dignity and security in retirement.
Founded in 1986, Grey Power began as a grassroots protest movement when a group of Auckland superannuitants stood up against the introduction of a surcharge on New Zealand Superannuation.
What followed was a nationwide response, as seniors joined together to defend the principle of universal entitlement. The eventual removal of the surcharge became a defining early success and established Grey Power as a strong and independent voice for older New Zealanders.
Grey Power National President Gayle Chambers (retired) said the milestone reflects both achievement and ongoing responsibility. “Grey Power was built on the belief that older New Zealanders deserve fairness, respect and security after a lifetime of contribution. That principle remains just as important today.”
Over the past four decades, Grey Power has advocated across a wide range of issues affecting seniors. These include protecting New Zealand Superannuation, contributing to the introduction of the Winter Energy Payment, advocating for fairer rates rebates, and supporting improved access to healthcare — including hearing aid subsidies and preventative screening.
The organisation has also been a strong voice in retaining SuperGold Card benefits, helping older New Zealanders stay active and connected. More recently, Grey Power has focused on emerging challenges such as energy affordability, banking access, digital inclusion, aged care standards and community safety.
“While the issues may change, the need for a strong, independent voice does not,” President Gayle Chambers (retired) said. “Older New Zealanders continue to face real pressures, and Grey Power will remain committed to ensuring their voices are heard.”
Today, Grey Power represents tens of thousands of members through more than 70 associations nationwide, supported by dedicated volunteers working within their local communities.
Alongside advocacy, Grey Power also provides practical benefits to members. Partnerships such as Grey Power Electricity offer competitive energy services, while helping support the organisation’s work. Local associations provide opportunities for connection, information and engagement through meetings, guest speakers and community events.
As part of the 40-year celebrations, Grey Power will release a photographic historical record capturing key moments from its journey — from the early protest marches of the 1980s to present-day advocacy. This collection has been featured in the June edition of Grey Power Magazine and is also available online.
“These images tell the story of people coming together to stand up for what matters,” President Gayle Chambers (retired) said. “They are a reminder of the strength and unity that continues to define Grey Power.”
As Grey Power looks ahead, its focus remains clear: ensuring older New Zealanders can live with dignity, independence and confidence.
Senior Research Fellow in Surgical Science, University of Otago
Exercise before Surgery Improves Outcomes
Globally, about two in three people will need major surgery at some point in their lives. While preparing for a major operation, patients usually focus on the surgery itself. But recovery also places a substantial demand on the body.
Having enough cardio-respiratory reserve – the body’s spare capacity to meet a sudden increase in demand for oxygen, be it from walking up hill or dealing with an infection – is important. This also helps people cope with the stress of surgery, inflammation and the effort of getting mobile again.
Using the time before surgery to improve a person’s physical fitness and readiness for recovery is called “prehabilitation”. This can include exercise, nutritional support, psychological preparation and making sure other medical conditions are under control.
The practical message is to ask the surgical or primary-care team whether prehabilitation is available and what type of exercise is appropriate. A programme should ideally include a clear exercise prescription, a way to monitor progress and advice about when to stop exercise.
The research evidence suggests exercise before surgery is worth taking seriously. Patients experience fewer complications, recover more quickly and return to the activities that matter to them. Patients may improve fitness with either supervised or home-based programmes.
A Fairy Tale with Wisdom
A 72 year old single man had one true love — fishing. One day, while sitting in his boat, he heard a voice say, “Pick me up.” He looked around, confused, but saw no one. Then he heard it again, “Pick me up!”
He glanced down into the water and spotted a frog floating on the surface. He asked, “Are you talking to me?” The frog replied, “Yep! I’m talking to you. Pick me up, kiss me, and I’ll turn into the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen. I’ll make all your friends jealous because I’ll be your bride!”
The man stared at the frog for a moment, reached over, gently picked it up, and placed it in his shirt pocket. The frog, a bit annoyed, said, “What are you doing? Didn’t you hear me? I said, kiss me, and I’ll be your beautiful bride!”
The man opened his pocket, looked at the frog, and said, “Eh, at my age, I’d rather have a talking frog.” With age comes wisdom!
-
“Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.” – Chili Davis
-
“The oldest trees bear the most fruit.” – David A. F. Linsley
-
“You don’t stop laughing when you grow old, you grow old when you stop laughing.” – George Bernard Shaw
-
We do not remember days; we remember moments.” – C.S. Lewis“
