Grey Power President Rosemary MacKenzie said Grey Power was a voluntary organisation founded 29 years ago when the government of the day proposed a surtax on superannuation. Photo / File
Grey Power President Rosemary MacKenzie said Grey Power was a voluntary organisation founded 29 years ago when the government of the day proposed a surtax on superannuation. Photo / File
Representatives of the 70,000-strong Grey Power Federation are to meet in Rotorua next week to discuss a wide range of issues facing older New Zealanders.
Delegates to the federation's annual general meeting are from 73 independent Grey Power associations throughout the country. The meeting will be opened by Rotorua mayorSteve Chadwick on Tuesday and one of the first speakers will be the Minister for Senior Citizens, Maggie Barry.
Organising committee leader and Rotorua Grey Power president Rosemary MacKenzie said Grey Power was an advocacy organisation promoting the welfare and well-being of New Zealanders in the 50-plus age group.
"Our mission is to be an advocacy voice for all New Zealanders but particularly to advance, support and protect the welfare of older people," she said.
"To do this we continually review what is happening with older people. Through our national committee structure, and through meetings such as this one in Rotorua, we formulate and promote policies to rectify all discriminatory and disadvantageous legislation or other activity affecting the rights, security, dignity and well-being of all older New Zealanders and the community in general."
Mrs MacKenzie said Grey Power was a voluntary organisation founded 29 years ago when the government of the day proposed a surtax on superannuation. A campaign against the surtax was successful.
"People need to keep in mind that Grey Power does not receive any financial support from either local or central government. We are financed by our members. This enables us to pursue our advocacy role without fear or favour. If we think an issue needs addressing then we take it up with the appropriate people whoever they might be.
"Having said that we take care to maintain good working relationships with everyone, especially other organisations with similar objectives."
