Clark preaches to the converted

By ROSALEEN MACBRAYNE

TAURANGA - The president of Western Bay of Plenty Grey Power, John Jefferson, yesterday described the Government as "user-friendly."

And it seems many of his members agree.

About 300 welcomed the Prime Minister, Helen Clark, to the annual meeting at Tauranga's Baycourt Theatre - venue of more spectacular appearances in the past by local MP Winston Peters.

But the New Zealand First leader, who fell from favour and held his seat by only 323 votes last election, was nowhere to be seen this time.

In fact, he was not even invited.

Mr Jefferson, recently elected national president of Grey Power, was worried the Tauranga MP's presence would have repelled more people than it would have attracted.

In October 1998, Mr Peters, then Deputy Prime Minister and Treasurer, faced a barrage of abuse during a Grey Power-organised health rally attended by more than 1000 at Baycourt.

A year later, when he was back in Opposition, a turnout of about 1000 greeted him and Helen Clark, then Leader of the Opposition. She addressed them on National's superannuation changes.

Unlike the rapturous Peters arrivals in the glory days, Helen Clark's yesterday was low key.

She slid quietly on stage and was given an attentive hearing as she reported on her Government's progress on issues close to the hearts of the elderly.

A relaxed and reassuring Prime Minister covered a range of issues including superannuation, health, housing, education, economic development, public service and driver licensing.

"This is a Government that believes in three things: fairness, opportunity and security," she said. "What we have endeavoured to do is be a predictable Government. We prefer to under-promise and over-deliver."