Waitakere Grey Power Association

19/05/2026

Seniors Newsletter - May 2026

19/05/2026

Seniors Signature Event - Monday 25 May

19/05/2026

The increasing cost of living is hurting most, but those on fixed incomes have even less room to move with some forced to forego coffee and meat.

As a single pensioner living alone - you'd get $555.15 a week, so when bills add up, something has got to give.

Read more ⬇

13/05/2026

Seven out of 10 New Zealanders say they want to remain in their current homes for the rest of their lives - and would only move if their health declined severely or a partner died.

Only 42 percent of people with medical alarms say they have someone nearby who could help in a medical emergency. Yet nearly 60 percent of adult children believe their parents have support close at hand.

12/05/2026

Thanks and appreciation to The Trusts for gift cards donation to Waitakere Grey Power to facilitate our regular events for members, elderly residents and public.

These events with light refreshments foster social engagement, informed sessions, and wellbeing.

Keeping it local. From Huia to Whenuapai and everywhere in between, The Trusts are all about keeping things local in our communities.

10/05/2026

Age Concern Auckland said it's seeing a rise in financially motivated elder abuse, due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Chief executive Kevin Lamb said referrals to the organisation involving elder abuse had risen by 20-30 percent over the past year, with a growing proportion linked to money troubles within families.

Advocates say some elderly people are being pressured into handing over money, bank cards and even their homes.

10/05/2026

Latest issue of the Grey Power Manawatū newsletter. Enjoy!

07/05/2026

There's enhanced scope for local Grey Power Associations to reach out for similar seniors discount service arrangements with local businesses and service providers. It's mutual beneficial.

06/05/2026

Press Release: 6th May 2026

Grey Power Reaffirms Commitment to Universal Superannuation as Debate Re-emerges

Grey Power New Zealand is reaffirming its long-standing support for universal New Zealand Superannuation (NZS), following recent comments from Labour leader Chris Hipkins indicating openness to discussing possible means-testing.
Grey Power National Vice-President David Marshall said while the organisation welcomes constructive debate about the future of retirement income, it remains firmly opposed to any move toward means-testing.
“New Zealand Superannuation provides certainty, dignity and independence for older New Zealanders. Undermining that certainty risks eroding confidence in the entire system for future retirees.”

For four decades, Grey Power has consistently advocated for a universal, non-means-tested system and continues to oppose any change to that principle.
International experience shows means-testing brings unintended consequences. “It introduces complexity, discourages saving, and can penalise those who have worked hard and planned responsibly. It risks turning a simple, trusted system into one that is uncertain and inequitable.”
Australia’s means-tested pension highlights these challenges. Application processes are complex, reporting requirements are ongoing, and additional income can significantly reduce entitlements—discouraging continued workforce participation.
New Zealand currently has one of the highest workforce participation rates for those aged 65+ in the OECD (around 24–26%), compared with Australia’s 12–15%. A sharp decline in participation here would have significant economic implications.
Grey Power also notes that New Zealand’s superannuation model is widely regarded as efficient and effective in providing baseline income security. Its simplicity and universality support independence and reduce reliance on other social services.
“Universal superannuation works because it is clear, fair and predictable,” Marshall said. “It ensures all New Zealanders have a foundation to live with dignity in later life.”
While concerns are often raised about the cost of NZS, the NZIER Business of Ageing 2026 Report highlights the substantial contribution of older New Zealanders: around $9 billion in paid work, $5 billion in self-employment, and more than $20 billion in unpaid work annually—compared with NZS expenditure of $23.2 billion.

Over its 40-year history, Grey Power has advocated across a wide range of issues affecting seniors, including healthcare access, energy affordability, aged care standards, retirement village regulation, rates rebates, and SuperGold Card benefits. Protecting NZS, however, remains central to its work.
Grey Power supports cross-party discussion on retirement policy but stresses that any future approach must begin with a clear commitment to universality and fairness.
“We agree long-term consensus is important,” Marshall said. “But that consensus must protect the integrity of superannuation, not weaken it.”

As Grey Power approaches its 40-year anniversary, the organisation says the current debate underscores the ongoing need for strong advocacy.
“The issues may evolve, but the need for an independent voice has not diminished. Grey Power will continue to stand firmly for older New Zealanders—protecting their rights, security and dignity now and into the future.”

For more information or membership enquiries, contact:

David Marshall
National Vice-President, Grey Power New Zealand Federation Inc.
PO Box 19 Pukekohe 2340
Ph 0800 473 979 [email protected]

Grey Power is an advocacy organisation with a vision for New Zealand to be a country where seniors live in dignity enjoying a rewarding, safe and sustainable quality of life.

04/05/2026

The Waitākere Ranges are one of the jewels of Auckland, encompassing thousands of hectares of dense coastal forest hills and beaches.

But many in the community are concerned that the impending replacement of the Resource Management Act (RMA) may loosen longstanding protections for the area.

Explainer - Could government reforms lead to increased development in the ranges? Here's why locals are concerned.

30/04/2026

A reminder that from 1 May, the Winter Energy Payment will start being paid automatically to your account if you qualify.

If you get New Zealand Superannuation, Veteran’s Pension, or a main benefit, the payment will go straight into your bank account.

Payments will run until 1 October. See more details below.

Kia ora 👋 The Winter Energy Payment starts on 1 May.

This is an extra payment paid each year to help with costs like heating your home over winter.

We know that winter can bring extra costs, and this support can help during this time.

You don’t need to apply. If you’re getting NZ Super, or a main benefit like Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support or Supported Living Payment, you’ll receive it automatically with your regular payments. Each year, over 900,000 people across New Zealand receive the Winter Energy Payment.

It runs from Friday 1 May through to Thursday 1 October.

The weekly rates are:
👤 $20.46 if you’re single
👥 $31.82 for couples or people with dependent children
Find more information, including full eligibility, here 👇
https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/products/a-z-benefits/winter-energy-payment.html

🚨 Just a reminder, if you see posts or messages about payments, take a moment to check where the information is coming from and make sure it’s from an official source. Real changes will always be shared in places you know and trust, like the Work and Income website.