New President for Grey Power

In what turned out to be a landslide result the 67,000 – member Grey Power New Zealand Federation has elected a new president: their vice-president, southlander and former Invercargill city councillor Terry King. At the Annual General Meeting held in Invercargill 7th May, Terry King defeated standing president Roy Reid, who has held the position for four years.

Mr King said he was keen to continue working in the same direction that the Federation’s Board had established under Roy Reid. During his presidency, the Federation had lead the successful asset sales referendum: established Grey Power Electricity which gave members cheaper electricity rates, seen dropping membership numbers build steadily again, and introduced a modernisation plan for the organisation.

“ I‘m very excited by the mandate given me by the members, “ Terry said, “ but am keen to continue with the fine work done by my predecessor.” Accountability and teamwork are issues he stood on.

While Grey Power is not affiliated to any political party, it is an advocacy group established to lobby all political parties as well as local government for better conditions for older people. With an election looming, Terry said the Federation has a firm election strategy where they will focus on key issues affecting their members.

“ We’re keen to hear stories from our members on any difficulties they are experiencing particularly with respect to any health issues such as waiting list delays; and stories about members who are struggling to survive on superannuation. We need hard evidence to convince politicians on the need for change.”

“ We are a strong group, with new board members and an increasing membership across the country. With baby boomers now over 50, we are confident we can provide an effective voice for an increasing number of older voters, with local and central government.”

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