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Queenstown Greypower

Grey Power is an organisation for older people. During the lockdown we have been in constant contact with our members online advising of services available and help for those socially and physically isolated. Committee members have been phoning those not online on a regular basis. We cannot meet at present and our planned AGM for April, was postponed till later in the year.

There are over 70 associations nationwide. Grey Power is not political but has strong lobbying power. Recent achievements are a rates rebate scheme for retirement homes and introduction of the free shingles vaccine for those between 65 and 80 years of age. Grey Power Electricity provides a reduced price of power to members through Pulse Energy. Grey Power is presently campaigning for an Aged Care Commissioner.

Queenstown Grey Power has over 180 members. Interesting meetings are held for both members and the public and the occasional social function. Aurora Lines Company, Queenstown Medical Centre and Grey Power Electricity were subjects in the last few months. We hosted an election meeting for Health Board and Regional Council candidates. Members are free to seek advocacy help. The restructuring of HealthCare NZ, one of the country’s biggest care providers has been of concern to our members.

Queenstown Grey Power is recognised as a stakeholder group in the community and has been involved in consultations on the QLDC Spatial Plan, the Martin Jenkins consultation on airport development, future planning for the library service and on health issues. We have presented submissions to the QLDC and the ORC on behalf of members. A number of members spoke at the council meeting in December against the proposed trial of Lime Scooters. Grey Power was successful in lobbying for the Age Concern falls prevention exercise class, “Steady As You Go” coming to Queenstown. Weekly classes are held in Frankton and Arrowtown.

Queenstown Grey Power has been supported by the Community Trust of Southland, Wakatipu New World, Mt Scene and the Lakes Weekly Bulletin.

We are friendly, approachable and welcome new people. With more members we have more influence in being a voice for the senior community. Membership is open to all over 50 and subscriptions are $20 a single and $35 per couple.

Enquiries to greypowerqueenstownsecretary@gmail.com

Or phone Kirsty Sharpe (Chairperson) 021 04100 76

Student Volunteer Army COVID-19 delivery service

Can’t leave your bubble to get groceries? Call 0800 005 902 or head to shop.sva.org.nz to place your order - for delivery within 48 hours, anywhere in the Wakatipu

The Student Volunteer Army has launched a nationwide pandemic response to support people most impacted by COVID-19. They have joined forces with New World to support those most in need during the lockdown: people aged over 65, healthcare workers and their whānau, medically vulnerable and single parents. The Student Volunteer Army Grocery Delivery Service is now fully operational across the Wakatipu.

Erin Jackson, part of the SVA Leadership Team & Queenstown local said to LWB “With the arrival of COVID, it became very clear that for many, getting to the supermarket for essentials will be a huge challenge: especially with limited online options in the area”.

The Student Volunteer Army have partnered with New World and built an online shop (shop.sva.org.nz) - or you can order by calling 0800 005 902.

“Volunteers then pick up your order the next morning and deliver, contactlessly to your door with a friendly smile and all within 48 hours. It’s perfect for those who can’t just ‘pop to the supermarket’, whether due to age, health or circumstance”.

We’re looking forward to helping get people their groceries and we’ll continue to do so as we move through the COVID alert levels. The service is being embraced by places that have a local heart and real sense of community” Erin said

SVA has partnered with Hyundai, who are providing our volunteers with vehicles in which to get around and Z Energy who have kindly donated the fuel to run them. Their assistance has truly brought the response to life.

Support the response

There are three keyways that you can support the Student Volunteer Army’s COVID-19 volunteer response:

1. Volunteer

2. Send us to a friend or neighbour that needs our help, or shop on their behalf

3. Support our efforts by donating: https://sva.org.nz/donate/

For more information, you can contact Erin on erin@sva.org.nz