May 2016 - Grey Power Napier

Grey Power Napier & Districts
Quarterly Newsletter
P O Box 4247, Marewa, Napier 4143
http://napiergreypower.org
May 2016
The May 17 meeting is our Annual General
Meeting, and also features guest speaker
Gabriella James
Orphans’ Aid
When ?
Tuesday, 17th May
1:30 pm
AGM HIGHLIGHTS
Reports:
President (p2 of this newsletter)
Treasurer (p 7 of this newsletter)
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
The following Executive positions
will be elected at the AGM:
President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Publicity Officer
Three committee members
************************
IS YOUR MEMBERSHIP
UP-TO-DATE?
If your membership card sticker is
BLUE, then you are a current member.
If not, then you have not renewed your
Grey Power membership, and this is
the last newsletter you will receive until you renew.
PLEASE RENEW BY COMPLETING THE
FORM ON PAGE 11 OR GO TO OUR
WEBSITE OR RENEW AT MAY MEETING
Where?
St Columba’s
Church,
176 Gloucester St, Taradale
Gabriela was born in Romania and grew up under the regime of Nicolae Ceausescu – a man infamous for his population policies which saw a huge increase in orphaned and
abandoned children in Romania. After his death, Gabriela
threw herself into helping foreigners adopt Romanian orphans. After meeting a couple from New Zealand in 1992,
Gabriela came here, made her life here and has since set up
an Op Shop for Orphans Aid International.
Gabriela lives in Hastings with husband Jamie and their
three children, who all support her in her work.
ALL MEMBERS BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD
TO VOTE AT THE MEETING
YOU CAN JOIN OR RENEW MEMBERSHIP AT THE MEETING
Raffles, freshly picked fruit all for sale;
Bring an item for the Food Bank collection.
Grey Power Committee Contacts
President:
Laurie Jenkin
(06) 844 3734
[email protected]
Treasurer:
Carol Brunton
(06) 844 8970
[email protected]
Deputy Chairperson
David George (06) 834 0711
Membership
John Wuts (06) 844 4751
[email protected]
Secretary/Newsletter Editor
Maxine Boag 021 024 70484
[email protected]
Page 1
Publicity Officer
Jane Smart 027 459 5716
Committee
June Graham 845 4353
Lillian Rennett 843 9522
Anne Mitchell 844 7011
Bruce Carnegie 844 5635
Isabel Wood
8430524
You can join on our website:
http://napiergreypower.org
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
The
President’s
Annual AGM
Report *
The 2015 – 16 year has continued the steady growth of
our Association, reaching
membership of 1,200, and
expecting to celebrate the 1,500 target by the end of this
year. Thank you to all members who have put in a good word
for us, and encouraged friends to join.
The new Discount Book has been a great success, thanks to
the hard work done under the leadership of Bruce Carnegie.
Another factor in our growth is Grey Power Electricity and
Gas, which is still an attractive option for some of our members. A monthly page in the Napier Mail has brought in newcomers, and raised our profile across the city.
Our colourful brochures, recently renewed, are still picked
up in waiting rooms, libraries, and are a steady source of new
membership.
General meetings continue to be popular and well attended.
Members tell us they like the interesting speakers, the easy
atmosphere, the delicious afternoon teas provided by Carol,
the generous raffles and the fellowship. We are very pleased
with our current meeting venue, which is light and pleasant,
and can seat a maximum of 265 persons. I think it will be a
good while before we have to look for a bigger venue, as we
generally have an attendance between 120 and 180. We
scored a record 220 when Sir Michael Cullen spoke to us in
the March meeting.
From 2012 to 2014 we used All Saints’ Church Hall for our
Christmas Party, but 2015 saw us hiring Pukemokimoki Marae, because of its capacity of 250. It proved to be a lovely
venue, and our Maori hosts were wonderfully helpful. Our
entertainment, put on by the Maraenui Bilingual Kura Kapa
Haka group was one of the most polished performances I’ve
ever seen! Our Mayoress, Shirley Dalton, completed the entertainment by ably leading a singalong. It was a splendid occasion altogether.
We maintain strong, supportive connections with other
Grey Power groups, and are meeting with four other Hawkes
Bay groups later this month. As well, two or three committee
Page 2
members attend Zone meetings, held quarterly in Palmerston
North. Secretary Maxine Boag was our delegate to the Federation’s annual conference in Christchurch this year, and as part
of a National Advisory Group, co-presented a workshop on Local Bodies.
Just as we join up new members, every year we lose a number of our members who pass away, or transfer into care. Our
sincere felicitations go to the families and friends who suffer
such losses.
As in past years, the committee has made a submission to
N.C.C’s Annual Plan, this year mentioning bus stops, rates,
Atawhai pedestrian crossing, the velodrome, Anderson Park
improvements and the inaudibility of Council meetings (see p 8
for the summary).
Our Association has been blessed to have a very stable, hardworking Committee for the past five years. There have been
very few personnel changes, and we interact very well together. There is always a willingness to share the load, and get involved in the numerous different tasks. None of us has a personal agenda – except for the well-being of our Association.
Our constitution allows us to co-opt people onto the Committee as the need arises, so we have tentatively set up three
new portfolios --- Membership Secretary, Telephone Tree Coordinator, and Newsletter Folding and Delivery Co-ordinator.
My thanks also to the teams who faithfully phone members
re up-coming meetings; help with folding, and/or distributing
our quarterly newsletters ; put out chairs and tables for afternoon tea; prepare and clean up after our lovely afternoon teas
---sponsored by our generous friends at Beth Shan Funeral Directors; the vacuumers; the Maori Wardens; those who
transport others to and from meetings --- to all our wonderful
volunteers, you are greatly appreciated, as you are the virtual
lifeblood of our association!
My grateful thanks also, to all the businesses who advertise
in our Discount Book, and/or our quarterly newsletter; I urge
members to make the most of the discounts they offer.
Last, but not least, my thanks and appreciation to all our
members, whether you are able to get to meetings or not. The
interest and vitality you bring to our meetings are meritorious
indeed. We appreciate the talents, skills and strengths you
have developed over the years.
May you continue to enjoy your interaction with our association into the future.
Best wishes to you all
Laurie Jenkin (President)
* this will be moved as the President’s report at the AGM.
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
Proposed Constitutional (Rules) Changes
The Executive Committee would like the approval of two
changes to our constitution, preferably done at the AGM.
After the conclusion of the AGM, the President will open an
Extraordinary General Meeting solely to gain approval of
two changes to our rules. These will not take effect immediately as they have to be approved by the Federation and sent
to the Companies Office after you have voted. The proposed
changes:
1. Aligning our membership year with the Federation.
Although our financial year ends on 31 December, same as
the Federation’s, our membership year ends then also, whereas the Federation’s membership year ends on 31st March.
This creates confusion and inconsistency, so the Executive
recommends that Section 13 of our constitution (“an annual
subscription shall become due and payable by each member
on 1 January in each year for the year ending on the subsequent 31 December”) be changed by deleting the word Jan-
uary and replacing it with April; and deleting the words
“subsequent 31 December” and replacing them with “31
March the following year.”
2. Adding another officer and increasing the committee
size
One of the most vital members of our committee—the
membership person—has no vote and no status in the constitution. So on top of the officers already in the constitution—the President, vice president, secretary, publicity
officer and treasurer, we want to add another officer –
Membership Coordinator.
As well, to enable us to fully engage the actual numbers of
committee members who now contribute to the increased
workload which has come with our rise in membership, we
would like to change the wording which says the committee will have: “Not more than three other members who
shall be elected annually at the Annual General Meeting of
the Association.” to “Not more than six other members…”.
These can be voted on with a simple majority.
HOUSE & BUILDING WASH
houses — units — sheds — patios — decks
driveways — paths — fences — glass houses — etc
30%
Discount
BOOKINGS
ESSENTIAL
ALSO AVAILABLE:
Window cleaning, gutter cleaning, waterblasting
& storm water drain clearing.
For More Information Phone:
Lindsay Meuli - AAA Moss Away
835 3677 or Mobile 0272 555 769
Locally Owned & Operated
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 Decramastic
 Corrugated
 Colour
Steel
Tiles
 Concrete
 Roofs
Tiles
Iron
AAA MOSS AWAY
 Driveways
15%
Discount
Tiles
 Cobbles
 Fences
15%
Discount
 Decks
 House Exteriors
Lindsay Meuli
Phone 835 3677 or Mobile 0272 555 769
Lindsay Meuli
Phone 835 3677 or Mobile 0272 555 769
Locally Owned & Operated
Locally Owned & Operated
Page 3
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
Emergency Management in Napier
By Isabel Wood
Our speaker for April was Marcus Hayes-Jones the
Napier Emergency Management Officer. This was
very much an audience-participation meeting.
Marcus sought from members what they thought
were the five emergencies that we need to be aware
of: earthquake; tsunami; volcanic ash; human pandemic and flooding. He displayed an up-to-date
map showing the potential damage a tsunami the
size of the Japanese tsunami would do to Napier and
surrounds.
The Napier area, excluding the hill, would be flooded right back to Taradale - a fact which astounded
many members. "Make for the hills" as fast as you
can was the advice of Marcus, but he pointed out
that cars are not always a good option because of
traffic jams.
Members were given pen and paper and undertook
two exercises involving finding jumbled up numbers
in a short space of time. This highlighted the need
for teamwork as those who worked together had
much better results.
The importance of having survival kits and a
household plan was stressed and members were
given Household Emergency Plans to take home,
consider and action.
A very interesting speaker who could have, if time
allowed, spoken for much longer.
END OF LIFE CHOICE
PUBLIC MEETING
Date
Venue
Time
Cost
Speaker
Enquiries
Wednesday 22nd June
Theatre One, E.I.T. Taradale
10.00 am
Koha
Andrew Denton
Australian broadcaster/commentator
Suzanne on 842 1267
Andrew is a fantastic speaker who is now a global
speaker on the issue of End of Life Choice.
At end of his presentation there will be questions and
answers from those present.
Page 4
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
From Stuart Nash
MP for Napier
As the cost of living increases it is important to know about the help and
entitlements that are available in our community.
This is why we have updated a comprehensive Information Kit that sets
out services and entitlements for the over-60s. If you would like a free
copy of the over-60s Information Kit please call into my Electorate office
at 155A Tennyson Street, in Napier, or you can pick one up from your local library.
I am very much aware of the valuable contribution that older people have
made and are continuing to make to New Zealand’s way of life. We owe
our current prosperity and way of life in no small measure to the contributions of our parents and grandparents. I am working hard on your behalf to ensure that all superannuitants are guaranteed a better standard
of living.
My office is here to help you, the office hours are 9.00 am to 4.00 pm
Monday to Friday and we are just a phone call away on (06) 835 6093.
Stuart is our guest speaker for our June 21 Grey Power
meeting.
Do you have any questions you would like to ask him, or topics you would like him to speak on?
If so, please put them in writing and send them to the secretary [email protected] or phone them
to Laurie at 844 3734 before 13th June.
Page 5
Authorised by S. Nash
60 Milton Road, Napier
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
Page 6
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
GREY POWER NAPIER & DISTRICTS
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
For the Year Ended 31st December 2015
2014
REVENUE
Subscriptions
Adv ertising
Donations
Meetings
Discount Book
Sundry
Transfers
Bank Adjustments
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
10,106
8,769
1,520
3,220
279
813
24,707
SUNDRY INCOME
Interest Receiv ed
$
150
Total Income
$
24,857
Less Expenses
2015 Note
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
13,667
2,400
1,234
4,163
5,120
1,429
1,905
29,918
$
2014
2015
808
3,857
350
5,678
366
4,673
2,897
1,199
8,324
3
500
-
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total Expenses
$
28,655
$
27,252
-$
3,798
$
2,856
Page 7
*4
30,107
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
*1
*2
*3
*4
*5
*3
189
Adv ertising
Capitation Fees
Donations
General Expenses
Hall Hire
Discount Book
Meetings, Zone etc.
Newsletter
Postage
Stationery
Bank fees
Honoraria
Pertaining to last year
Net Surplus (Deficit)
*1
*2
1,919
5,594
200
4,477
788
2,430
5,339
2,789
1,172
2,471
12
60
*5
Notes
Increase in membership
Last year discount book adv ertisers were posted here
This year the discount book adv ertisers were put here
Transfer from sav ings to cheque account
Change from Tamatea to St Columba's
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
Our submission to the Napier City Council’s Annual Plan
As an advocacy group for the older generation, Grey
Power engages with both Central and Local governments in order to let them know how our members
feel about issues affecting us.
Every year we make a submission to the Napier
City Council in their annual consultation cycle. It gives
us the opportunity to express what our members feel
about current matters affecting us.
This year, we have commented on the following:

Rates rises. While the rates are to rise 2.9 per
cent this year, in following years the increases
are significantly greater. Pensioners on fixed
incomes struggle to pay these increased rates
which are way above inflation and the increase
we get in our pensions. Napier is not a rich
city, with the Napier electorate sitting in the
lowest quartile of median personal income
nationwide.
 Lack of proper bus stops and shortage of
seats and shelters in Napier. This is a chronic
issue which affects all who use the buses. Only
a fraction of Napier’s bus stops have signs, no-
parking lines, and most are without seats, timetables and shelters. Some improvement has
been made in the last year, but we are still far
behind Hastings.
 The need for a safe crossing at Atawhai (see
picture below tor an example of what this
means). This is an issue we have raised before,
and a concern we share with others. Recent observations demonstrated the heavy flow of traffic
which stops people from safely crossing.
 More seating in Anderson Park
 Not being able to hear speakers in the Council
meeting rooms.
 Planned expenditure on the Velodrome,
which we consider an extravagance which will
cost ratepayers dearly in its construction and
running.
Our submission will be heard by Council on 9th or
10th June; do come along and support our presentation and hear Council’s response.
Laurie Jenkin, President
THINK MR RENTAL FOR…..
SOMETHING SHORT TERM – extra bed or fridge for visitors,
latest technology for the grandchildren
SUDDEN CHANGE IN HEALTH – exercise bike, treadmill, small
TV, electric La-Z-Boy after surgery, in hospital or home
REPLACING APPLIANCES – FREE installation, service, replacement, exchange or upgrade
SUPERGOLD CARD – NO BOND & 10% DISCOUNT, totally
FLEXIBLE (T&Cs apply)
STILL NOT SURE – We do understand & pride ourselves on
CARING PERSONAL SERVICE.
GIVE US A CALL – at 0800 111 313 or check mrrental.co.nz or
pick up flyers from your Age Concern office.
Page 8
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
Sir Michael Cullen talks to Napier Grey Power on the future of Super
Compulsory KiwiSaver and a clawback tax of about 10
per cent upon payout, paid into the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, would cover the rising cost of superannuation, says former Minister of Finance Sir Michael Cullen.
Speaking at a Grey Power Napier and Districts meeting
yesterday, the "maturing" 71-year-old superannuate - a
recent pacemaker and hearing aid recipient - said family
sizes had halved since the height of the Baby Boom and
people were living longer, putting pressure on remaining
taxpayers.
In New Zealand superannuation was primarily paid for by
taxation but, with a general expectation taxes should fall,
changing the age of entitlement was "almost the only variable. New Zealanders have persuaded themselves that
taxes should go down rather than up."
The current Government was "dangling the carrot" of tax
cuts even though it was not delivering regular surpluses.
"We have to find answers and these answers need to be
fair."
Means testing was ineffective and an incentive for people
to leave the workforce. Lowering the amount paid would
place a large number of elderly into poverty, especially
with an increasing number retiring in rented accommodation. Changing the age of entitlement was an obvious solution but older people were more likely to vote so were a
powerful political force. The rising cost of superannuation was already affecting government spending in other
areas, including infrastructure, mental health and conservation.
"The real issue from Grey Power's perspective is, will the
welfare of young people be affected?"
Treasury modelling showed his proposed tax on Kiwisaver pay-outs combined with compulsory KiwiSaver membership would cover future needs without the need for
more general tax. The pay-out tax would target incentives paid to KiwiSaver members, not members' own savings, he said.
More than 200 people attended Sir Michael's presentation
at St Columba's Church in Taradale, which Grey Power
president Laurie Jenkin said was a record turnout.
Currently chairman of New Zealand Post, Sir Michael
served as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance,
Minister of Tertiary Education, Attorney-General and
deputy leader of the Labour Party.
He was architect of the New Zealand Superannuation
Fund, colloquially known as the Cullen Fund, which was
intended to pay for future superannuation costs, but the
National Government suspended contributions in 2009.
Patrick O’Sullivan HB Today
WELLNESS MASSAGE
30 minutes: $35
45 minutes: $45
1 hour:
LYN WHINCOP
Dip Therapeutic Massage,
Dip Nursing, Dip Midwifery
$60
10% discount for
Grey Power members
Gift vouchers available
Clinic: 116 Nelson Crescent Napier
Or I can come to you.
06 8341927 0277137734
Page 9
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
Page 10
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
From John Wuts
Membership
Secretary
What does Grey Power offer?
The benefits of joining:
FOR only $15 per year or $27 per couple, membership in Napier and Districts Grey Power enables you to access discounts across a range of
local services and products, plus savings on
power, as well as medical insurance.
Power: Members can access electricity and gas at a
lower price from Grey Power Electricity. Phone 0800
473 976 with your current bill and see how GP Electricity compares.
Medical insurance: The Grey Power Board has
approved a new deal for medical insurance for members. Through Partners Life Medical Insurance,
members aged between 50 and 70 can get a permanent discount of 35%. Partners Life cover was the
number one pick in Consumers’ survey of medical
insurance packages in September 2015. Check
them out at www.vestacover.co.nz or phone 0800
283 782 during weekday working hours.
If you have a look at the colour of your membership
card, it will tell you if you are
financial or not. If it is blue,
you are doing fine, but if it is yellow and marked with the
expiry date 31/12/2015 or 31/3/2016, then it is time for
renewing.
Options for this are:

Post a cheque with completed membership form
to Grey Power PO Box 4247 Marewa Napier 4143

Internet bank to Kiwibank # 38-9009-0434068-00
using your name & membership number as payee;

Put your subs in an envelope with your name on it
and hand it in at our next meeting

Join online on website www.napiergreypower.org
Reminder: subscription fee is $15 single or $27 double.
Please let me know also if you have a change of internet
provider so you can get your monthly meeting reminder.
Accident Insurance cover: all paid up members
Plumbing
are offered a payout of $2000 to their estate in the
case of sudden death by accident.
Local Discounts: Members are able to access
(formerly Rigby Plumbing)
local discounts through our Napier Grey Power
2016/17 Discount Book, sent free to current members. (USE IT PLEASE!)
Offers 10% discount to Grey Power Members
With over 1000 local members this year, Napier Grey
Power is in a strong position to keep advocating for
seniors at local and central government level, as well
as negotiate new benefits and discounts.
*Plumbing
*Drainlaying
*Gasfitting
*Underfloor Heating
*Solar Heating
Members of Master Plumbers Association
our work is guaranteed
Join us and enjoy the benefits!
Phone Murray Rigby 843 2474
Grey Power Napier & Districts—Membership 2016
Send this form to: Membership Secretary PO Box 4247 Marewa Napier 4143
Or email this information to [email protected] AND [email protected]
Please tick: Renewal  (Membership # __________ )
New member(s) 
Name: Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms/Dr_______________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: _________________Mobile:____________________ Email: __________ @ _______________
I/We prefer to receive newsletter by:
post 
email 
(tick one option)
Subscription Costs: Single $15.00
Double $27.00
Total amount paid: $__________
Direct Credit: Account 38-9009-0434068-00 Account Name: Grey Power Napier and Districts Inc
Payment may be made by sending a cheque to the above address or by direct credit to the above Kiwibank account.
If using the latter, please make sure you record your name and membership number in the deposit details, and
send an email confirming your payment details to membership secretary John at [email protected] and treasurer
Carol at [email protected]. The discount book is free to members and will be sent with your membership card.
YOU CAN JOIN ONLINE FROM OUR WEBSITE http://napiergreypower.org
Page 11
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.
Grey Power Conference report
The most important part of any large gathering is of
course the people—good, bad and ugly. My three
days at the Federation Conference/AGM in Christchurch last month gave me an opportunity to experience all types, and enjoy the networking and bantering
between new and old acquaintances, friends and foes.
I shared a room with Sally Mayne, Grey Power
Palmerston North secretary, office administrator and
delegate—a good sounding board. In the conference
room, populated with about 100 delegates, I sat next
to ever-effervescent, switched on Marie Dunningham,
Hastings president and fellow delegate Deborah
Walsh. We supported each other’s speeches and debating points as the 39 remits were discussed and voted on.
Trevor Daniells from Kapiti (our zone’s “father” of
Age Friendly Cities) and I presented a workshop on
Local Bodies; appropriate for the year of local body
elections.
President Terry King, who in the last year has had
heart surgery plus cancer and chemo, managed to
chair the meeting—his last as President—and be accorded Life Membership by the conference. His replacement is vice-president Tom O’Connor, from midCanterbury, a journalist, author, small-holdings farmer
and a councillor on the Waimate District Council. He
defeated the other candidate, Miles Jackson, with 79
votes to 45.
And the politicians. Minister Maggie Barry bubbled
her way cheerily through her feel-good update; Winston Peters got a standing ovation at his pre-dinner
speech (reminding us how much he had done for oldies); Andrew Little sounded sincere and caring, answering more questions than the others; and Lianne
Dalzell, welcoming us to her damaged-but-gettingrebuilt city.
The Federation has had its problems dealing with
personalities and egos, but I came away knowing that
our strong, growing branch here in Napier is what
Grey Power is all about for me. Maxine Boag
Napier delegate Maxine Boag, with Hastings delegate and
President Marie Dunningham, and newly-elected Federation
President Tom O’Connor.
Unpopular move to bulk fund bus subsidies
Newly elected Grey Power Federation president, Tom
O’Connor, is not convinced by Government assurances that
free off peak public transport for SuperGold card holders is
secure.
Late last year the Ministry of Transport told local authorities that there would be changes to the scheme, in the interests of efficiency, to come into effect in July this year.
“The efficiency was in fact nothing more than a cost saving scheme in drag,” Mr O’Connor said. In an efficiency
drive, government funding will change from individual fare
reimbursement to a bulk funding model capped at $28 million, for the next five years, with minor adjustments for inflation.
Another unpopular change will be a requirement for SuperGold cardholders to buy a smartcard to travel free in offpeak times.
“It did not take long for pensioners to realise what was
happening and they are not happy about it. Minister Bridges
would do well to ask some of his senior colleagues what
happened when a previous Government tried to impose a
surcharge on national superannuation 30 years ago,” said Mr
O’Connor. “That was how Grey Power was born; we now
have a membership of about 65,000. The surcharge proposal
was abandoned and that is what should be done to any attempt to downgrade the SuperGold card off peak travel.”
Sender: Napier & Districts Grey Power
P O Box 4247
Marewa 4143
Page 12
Grey Power Napier and Districts Association Inc.