Dear Reader,
On the 16th September we held a Meeting of our members and others from our as the first of two events where we attempt to explain to our membership, supporters and wider-community the fundamental concerns we believe all voters should ask of individual and ‘party nominated’ candidates before identifying ‘electorate’ and ‘party list’ choice and then, exercising their vote on election day, Saturday, 7th November 2026.
Our second meeting prior to Election Day will be held on Wednesday 21st October 2026, at the Baptist Church Centre, Cnr. Fergusson Drive and Milton Streets, Upper Hutt, commencing at 1:30pm.
This later gathering of members, supporters and wider-community will be devoted to providing an invitation to address us via a ‘’speaking-slot’ allocated by lot to at least each of the candidates representing the parties polling ‘strongest’ in ‘opinion polls’.
While mandated to participate in public discussion on matters ‘political’ Grey Power is strictly ‘apolitical.’ We seek primarily to provide considered prioritisation of public expenditure sufficient to adequately fund ‘public services’ and ‘integrated infrastructure; in support of a dignified retirement for older people, families as they progress toward retirement and others who have involuntarily lost their participation in the ‘paid workforce.’ Our ideal outcome would see unbreakable ‘cross-party’ accord on the availability of publicly funded services, the cost of living and, of course, the achievement of a universally protected and sustainable environment.
The business we are conducting refers to seven (7) ‘policy’ categories where Grey Power New Zealand Federation (GPNZF) sought party responses to a range of questions critical to the well-being of older people, families as they progress toward retirement and others.
Grey Power asked the seven major political parties to outline their policies for older New Zealanders ahead of the 2026 General Election. National, Labour, the Green Party, New Zealand First and Opportunity Party responded. ACT was invited to participate but said it not have the capacity to complete the questionnaire. Te Pāti Māori did not respond.
We emphasise our review was current at 24 August 2026. We accept no responsibility to determine and/or update party ‘policy amendments’ announced subsequent to that date. The policies encompassed by our review are ‘institutional’ in nature and are fundamental to all parties seeking representation in New Zealand’s governance.
The responses reveal broad agreement on protecting New Zealand Superannuation, but significant differences in healthcare, housing and cost-of-living policies.
The questions and responses may be examined by clicking’ on the links designated below. One document has been separated over the various sections.
Authorised By:
Lew Rohloff
President
Upper Hutt Grey Power Association
Mail to:
lew.rohloff14@gmail.com
Housing for Older New Zealanders
A “thank you” to Lew Rohloff, vice president of Upper Hutt Grey Power Association for sending this article to The Upper Hutt Connection.
21/09/26
The Upper Hutt Connection 