While we are not out of the woods yet with the “C” virus, there is greater hope with vaccines becoming available.
Grey Power’s outlook is also looking positive following the election of the new President Jan Pentecost and new members on the Federation Board. Holding board meetings in Wellington is also a promising cost saving development. This location also allows more contact with the Government for lobbying on key issues.
Our previous Zone Chairman Lew Findlay, a key mover and shaker in these changes, is currently our Zone Representative on the board. He also has a watching brief on the Federation’s financial matters and commercial agreements so we look forward to Lew bringing discounted services to Grey Power, particularly after Kiwibank stopped the royalty funding that the Federation had enjoyed over the last few years.
The 2021 Federation AGM will be held in Nelson this year with Colleen Singleton and David Cuthbert selected as delegates. The 2022 Fed AGM will be held in Wellington. I think it makes sense to continue with this location as it’s so central.
I believe that recent changes have led to a more productive atmosphere. At the last two Zone meetings in Palmerston North I noticed, for the first time in memory, there was no bickering about the board and the Federation and greater focus on the work we need to do.
For Wellington Central we have meetings for members with an interesting selection of speakers lined up. Check on Page 3 for details.
On 1 April, 830,000 New Zealand Superannuitants will receive a 3.1 percent increase along with some other benefits. If you are aware of issues where there are remaining hardships that need to be addressed, please help Grey Power to raise them.
Regarding the Wellington committee and the upcoming AGM on 24 April, some committee members will not be standing this year for personal reasons while others are retiring from their roles. This leaves all positions open for nomination and selection. Since Lloyd, our President, is at home recovering from a medical procedure I have stood in as the report writer. We wish him well for a speedy recovery.
Wellington people, think about what you could do for Grey Power. If you want to safeguard and protect the entitlements and benefits for our age group, join our committee and/or stand for the position of President, Vice President, Treasurer or Secretary.
If you are interested in Health, Council liaison, local transport, lobbying local and central government or other key issues affecting us, join our committee. Please send names or nominations to our email address: greypowerwellington@gmail.com or phone me on 027 4321 801.
Take care and be safe.
Bruce McLachlan VP
P.S In our last newsletter, I mentioned my two granddaughters aged 6 and 8 in Madison Wisconsin had been off school for almost a year because of the pandemic. I’m happy to report that they start back at school this March.