Own place helps revitalise Grey Power

Grey Power life members Ashton Peat (left) and Terry Hawkey (right) were on hand to help open the new Rotorua Grey Power office with president Rosemary MacKenzie. Photo / Andrew Warner

About 12 months ago Grey Power Rotorua all but shut up shop, but now it has opened a brand new office in the city.

After struggling to form a committee the organisation has a new lease on life and is going from strength to strength with the opening of its new premises at 1333 Eruera St, at the back of the Age Concern offices.

On hand to officially open the office yesterday were Grey Power life members Terry Hawkey and Ashton Peat along with Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick and district councillor Mark Gould.

Grey Power Rotorua president Rosemary MacKenzie said the office had been open for two weeks and had proven popular.

"We have finally got a home and it's wonderful," she said.

"Everything is now in the one place, instead of scattered over four or five private residences.

"We are a 21st century Grey Power with a fabulous website and all the technology we need.

"This has been on my bucket list for a long time as well as growing our membership to 2000 people. We have 1300 so there is still a bit of work to be done."

Mrs Chadwick said with the over 65 population doubling within the next 15 years older people would need Grey Power to advocate for them.

"Partnering with groups such as this will help get this city moving again," she said.

To join Grey Power you have to be over 50. Annual fees are $15, or $25 for couples.

The office is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, but will be open longer when more volunteers are found to man the office. Their contact phone number is (07) 346 1739.