Grey Power Media Release: 13 September 2005

Final pre-election message to members

Grey Power urges members to use MMP system as intended

In a final message released today to all Grey Power Associations throughout New Zealand, the organization’s executive board told it’s 90,000 strong membership to use the MMP electoral voting system as it was intended to be used.

“It is important to remember why we have MMP,” says board member Don Robertson speaking from his home in Palmerston North. “It gives every sector in the community an opportunity to have their interests represented in Parliament. In this respect, serious consideration should be given before wielding that all-important Party Vote.

“Our political history over the last two decades has rocked the confidence of older voters when unexpected policy decisions affecting the better interests of superannuitants are unilaterally made by one party.

“Even today, there are maneuvers by both the Labour and National parties to retain as much of the old First-Past-the-Post system of governing as possible, even to the point of rejecting coalition party support until after the election as National is doing, in the hope that it won’t be necessary.

“There are a number of smaller parties with strong platforms and policies that meet specific concerns of Grey Power members – indeed, concerns of most retired New Zealanders. Ignoring the influence these smaller parties, as coalition partners, can bring to bear on an elected government doesn’t make sense.

“I urge all Grey Power members to use your electorate vote and your party vote to support a coalition government that best supports your long-term interests,” Don Robertson says.

The five major concerns listed by Grey Power include the cost and regulation of energy, the rate of superannuation, hospital waiting lists, law and order and local government rate increases.

New Zealand Grey Power is recognised as a leading support organization for many of the more than three-quarters of a million retired New Zealanders. Grey Power has maintained strict neutrality during the election campaign, but actively tries to provide support and information that affect its members.

ENDS

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