Grey Power Nelson Magazine - December 2023

Grey Power December 2023

Nelson Grey Power Assn Inc

Bringing our heritage alive

Page 8

Reframing retirement

Page 12

Stoke Probus

Page 13

New best friends with dog share Mitigate the down-sides of aging by inviting ‘man’s best friend’ into your life - parttime.

Aging can present unforeseen changes to our lives.

Our physical condition, mental wellbeing and quality of life can all shift as life partners pass, devoted neighbourhood friend sets move on, and much-loved pets cross the rainbow bridge.

One proven way to mitigate from the sense of loss and loneliness these changes can bring is to invite man’s best friend into your life as companions - part-time. Cats have always been considered to be the best companions for an aging population because they are super low maintenance. But what if you knew dogs can be super low maintenance now too?

See page 3.

Meet Dot and Walter. These two photos show the beautiful connection that developed overtime and how much weight Dot lost from walking!

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Grey Power Nelson

News

Presidents report

Sue Sara

Hello everyone. Can you believe we are about to celebrate the Christmas Season!

Only seems like yesterday since the last one.

The elections are over for another 3 years, so now to watch what is going to be given to seniors. I have been assured that the Winter Energy payment is going to continue which is a start.

I was saddened to hear an office volunteer received a call with regards a photo of myself and hubby in the Weekly’s.

Please remember. I have a personal life as well as Grey Power. As we are apolitical organisation there is no way I allow either to cross over.

I am here solely for our members and put in a lot of hours accordingly.

The last few weeks has been a trying time for committee with 3 of us out of action but hopefully we can be back on deck shortly.

We are still in serious need of more members to join our committee as well as a Treasurer.

With over 5000 members there must be a couple of you that would like to assist us.

Our quarterly meetings with both Mayors were interesting.

Nelson is looking into the shocking state of toilets adjoining Stoke Library.

Still looking for land suitable for another Abbyfield complex.

I am currently working on submission regards Plan 29.

Interesting the different view of the Mayors on this.

Tasman are waiting for people to submit first, and Nelson decided the plan and then asked the Public.

Remember if you have any issue you want us to present on your behalf then please make contact.

As this is last magazine for 2023 I would like to wish each and every one of you a safe and happy Christmas.

Stay safe and look out for each other.

Nelson Grey Power Association Office 33 Putaitai Street, Stoke Will be closed for a Volunteer Xmas lunch on Tuesday 12 December from midday.

AND ALSO CLOSED FOR THE CHRISTMAS PERIOD From Friday 15 December from 1pm.

RE-OPENING: Monday 8 January 2024 10am Disclaimer Neither this association, nor any person associated with it, accepts any liability for the contents of this magazine which has been prepared in good faith and is believed to be correct. The final say on any articles printed in this magazine is at the discretion of the Nelson Grey Power President who has overall editorial approval.

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Grey Power Nelson

New best friends with dog share From page 1.

That’s worth enabling and is what we do! We let you find much loved local dogs who have compatible needs to your own, to connect with and create new meaningful but casual friendships.

Owners are challenged to meet the needs of their dogs all the time. Long working weeks, young families and demanding lives, there is little wonder why a dog’s social needs can be compromised when a dog’s family gets busy.

Step in the fairy godmother or father, who can now enjoy access to dog-time, less the expense and these

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News

full-time care commitments.

It was only after Dot (74) invited Walter into her life, that she realised how so very bored she was. “I would start prepping dinner early, just for something to do! After my husband died, I never realised how plain bored I had become” says Dot. Walter, an aged black Labrador Retriever lived around the corner, and was owned by a busy school teacher.

Walter needed more company during the day, and Dot was time rich. Having owned and adored two golden Labrador Retrievers in her lifetime, it

was an easy yes to the thought of sharing some of her long days with this handsome, elderly canine who was suffering equally long days. The connections are magic.

Dog sharing is a sustainable, low-maintenance companionship solution for our aged population.

Review the dogs who are available close to you, and join your local collective, whenever the time feels right. We are free for superannuitants! www.thedogsharecollective.com.

Email: support@thedog sharecollective. com. Phone: 022 047 4136

Pay your subscription early and win!

There are prize draws for Members Renewing early for the next membership year.

All memberships are due on 31 March 2024.

Miss the rush and pay early in January, February and March 2024 for the upcoming membership Year to 31 March 2025.

There is a prize draw after each of these 3 months.

Payment can be: Left with Triton Hearing on Bridge Street or the McGlashen Pharmacy Richmond (No change given) (We will pick your payments up).

Paid directly into bank account 03-1709-0071804-001 with internet banking Membership card/s will be posted to you for any of the above options OR Come and see us at 33 Putaitai Street, Stoke between 10am and 3.00pm We have Eftpos but do not accept credit cards or have Paywave Good luck!

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Grey Power Nelson

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Launch of the new Grey Power Federation website The website address remains the same: https://greypower.co.nz/ The main change on the website is a more outward looking site for those wanting to know about our work as an advocacy organisation. In addition, the site is a resource for our members, Associations, Zones, Advisory Groups and Board. However, these resources are now accessed through a portal that is available to members only.

Federation Documents such as the Constitution, Policies, Bylaws, AGM information, Forms etc are all located within the Grey Power Member Area that

tal with their own unique password. The password is simple – it is the first three letters of your Surname in uppercase, followed by your Grey Power membership number. Eg if your surname is Jones, and your account number was 549999, then you would gain access to the membership section by entering JON549999.

If you have a surname like O’Brien and membership number 933339, then leave out the apostrophe and your password would be OBR933339.

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Grey Power Nelson

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In your garden Philippa Foes-Lamb Late Spring is here and we are heading into what is predicted to be a dry, windy Summer.

Temperatures have fluctuated a lot over the past two months, especially in the last week of October – we went from warm and humid to freezing cold and frosty.

I adore flowers and love wandering around the garden to see what I can cut to display in the house. Two of my favourite summer annual varieties are Cosmos and Zinnias. Both are incredibly floriferous – such a luscious word – and are very easy to grow either from seed or planted as seedlings.

Cosmos have beautiful light, airy foliage and they look so pretty, planted amongst other shrubs and perennials. Tall varieties such as Cosmos ‘Sensation’

and ‘Cupcake Mix’ grow to approximately 90cm while shorter ones like ‘Sonata Dwarf’ grow to approximately 40cm, making them perfect for containers.

Zinnias were one of Mum’s favourite flowers. Two years ago, I planted a group of mixed, tall ‘Benary’s Giant’ for the first time.

They grew quickly and flowered right through summer until the first frost. There are many other varieties available in various heights and a wide range of colours, from vibrant bold to soft pastel shades.

Zinnias are incredibly hardy - once established they tolerate extremely dry conditions. They last a long time on the stem and have a very long vase life.

One of their loveliest attributes is the way the flowers change as they age on the plant. Most Zinnias start off small

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and flat and over time they become beautiful pompoms, some with a green hue on the underside of the petals.

Alstroemeria are another gorgeous perennial - just perfect for floral arrangements. Thriving in full sun they are easy care when planted in well-drained soil with some protection from heavy frosts. Flowering over a very long period, they will also tolerate dry conditions once they are established.

Tall varieties, up to 90cm, are best planted in the garden with some support but

5

the shorter ones, 40cm, do very well in containers.

The most important tip re Alstroemeria is to pull the entire stem out of the ground when dead-heading or harvesting for the vase - cutting it to length afterwards. This invigorates the crown and encourages more growth and more flowers.

I have Cosmos and Zinnia seed available on my website: www.heirloomplant nursery.co.nz – go to Buy Online, Seeds.

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Office News Kim Harding

Office Administrator

In December it is too late to renew memberships expiring in March 2024 and a bit early to renew for March 2025. We will be closed for our usual 3-week holiday period from 1pm on Friday 15th December and reopening on Monday January 8th.

In December we will also be closed at midday on Tuesday 12th to have a thank you Christmas lunch for the lovely, helpful, and selfless Office Volunteers that serve you at the front desk and at ‘Out & Abouts’.

Renewing early in January February and March puts you in a paying early prize draw.

The lemon-coloured discount book is for another year with it expiring in March

2025 so keep it in a safe place. Replacement discount books are however available from the office for $2 and membership cards for $1 if you happen to lose or wash the current one you have.

If you pay your membership fee and Grey Power Electricity (If you use them) by internet banking, please take care and have them set up to clearly see the difference so you don’t pay your power amount to us. It is not instant to return this refund to you.

If you have items being delivered to your home that get left out in the weather and you don’t want to get wet, you can set up an authority to leave which requires a signature and you going to your door to bring in at the same time.

Access Mobility (see front page advert) will install flags to your mobility scooter for free if you purchase one from them.

All financial Nelson Grey Power members are now able to login to the National Grey Power website https://greypower. co.nz/ with their own password which is the first 3 letters of your Surname in uppercase, followed by your Grey Power membership number.

For more information refer to the article elsewhere in the magazine.

May the weather be kind and you are able to enjoy the Summer with friends and family.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all from all of us here at Nelson Grey Power.

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Grey Power Nelson

News

MEMBERSHIPS DUE FOR RENEWAL SOON Memberships can be renewed anytime from when the office opens in January on Monday 8th.

Paying early puts you into prize draws. If you let your membership lapse and you are a Grey Power Electricity customer your discounted rate of electricity will rise as your account will be transferred over to the principle company, Pulse Energy as a supplier, which you will find is a higher rate of electricity price. The current Grey Power Electricity discounted prices are only available to those members of Grey Power who hold a financially paid current membership. If you wish to continue with Grey Power Electricity, please renew your membership.

You will also find that businesses offering Grey Power discounts on products and services will withdraw any savings to you when they notice your membership has lapsed/expired.

We hope you continue to belong to Nelson Grey Power and get to keep enjoying the benefits.

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Grey Power Nelson

7

News

Committee Bio

Online Payments If you are a Grey Power Electricity user it is a good idea to set up your payee list with: Nelson Grey Power and Grey Power Electricity.

Some people click the wrong account and end up paying their power bill amount to us in error.

Membership starts – 38……. Electricity - 02…..

Maureen Keogan - Committee My interests are: Making sure our Elderly are safe, well housed, and more importantly heard with the freedom of choice.

Housing for all. Streets are safe for all.

Edible Landscape, preserving and making our own Jams, Relishes etc.

Genealogy, Scouting, Hockey are also interests.

It makes so much extra work for us to refund these payments and your power bill could become overdue.

If you need help in altering your payee list/ name,phone your bank or ask a friend or family member to help you. All bank websites and internet banking are slightly different but they will all have an ‘edit’ facility, and also ask you if you are sure about your payment details before the payment is actioned so double check the details to be sure.

For Grey Power Electricity Ph 0800 473 976.

0800 MAUREEN Call anytime or maureen.pughmp@parliament.govt.nz

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Authorised by M Pugh, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

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News

Grey Power Nelson

Bringing our heritage alive Sarah Arnold, in collaboration with international researchers and NMIT Te Pūkenga tutors and ākonga, has created a way for Nelson history to come alive at our fingertips.

“These stories need to come out of the archives,” Sarah says. “Noone remembers these people but without them, we wouldn’t be here.”

The project all started when Sarah created artwork for an exhibition at NMIT. “I reproduced an 1860s survey map and whilst researching it, I discovered how many of my fathers’ family lived and farmed where I live now.”

Sarah came across several quirky stories that she wanted to bring to life for people young and old.

“We are using Augmented Reality (AR) technology in a way that brings the past to life,” she says. “People will be able to see historical events pop up in 3D

From left: Stefan Hanspach - graphic and design lead, Sarah Arnold - project lead and Ali Kahwaji - CTO for the Post Memory project. They also all work at NMIT Te Pūkenga. from their digital devices through a downloadable app.”

Posts made from recycled plastic will be placed at historical sites around the Nelson region and users will be able to open the app and link it to the post.

“The posts are where the event took place. You will be standing where our ancestors once stood” Sarah says.

Constable Knapp in augmented reality (AR).

The first posts installed are in Spring Grove.

“In the 1800s, Spring Grove was a real community hub, so it is fitting the project starts here,” Sarah says.

A small launch at the Spring Grove Drill Hall was recently held for local historical societies, local counsellors and colleagues.

“About 60 people attend-

ed and were really enthusiastic about seeing the AR in action, it was great,” Sarah says.

Another twelve more posts will be installed around Spring Grove, with plans to expand into Wakefield and then into Nelson city and beyond.

One story details the life of Bunny Arnold, an ancestor of Sarah’s, which she will complete as her Level 5 Diploma of Animation final project.

“There is a lot of collaboration between programme areas and opportunities for tutors and ākonga to get involved,” says Sarah.

Sarah is excited for the prospect of having dozens of posts dotted around the Nelson Tasman region in months to come.

“Before the end of the year, you will be able to download the app and try it out for yourself.”

Check out the www.postmemory.nz for more information.

The William Higgins Cottage, modelled by CGI student, Blair Jones.

Grey Power Nelson

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News

Keeping your grey matter healthy Judy Pittman Ever since I joined U3A I have felt there are not enough days in the month.

“U3A, what’s that?” I hear you ask, and to be honest that was my reaction when a friend invited me along to a U3A open meeting to hear a guest speaker, learn more about the organisation and share a morning tea.

The first thing I wanted to know was what does the name U3A mean? It stands for University of the Third Age. My immediate reaction was “what a pompous name”. Then someone explained that it originated in France in about 1975 and the idea was that we all need to keep our brains active throughout the various stages of our life. Life can be divided into three periods: firstly, childhood and learning; next, child rearing and work; and thirdly, retirement.

Just because we have reached an age where we may be retired doesn’t

A U3A field trip to Spring Grove. mean we want to giveup learning, especially on subjects that have always held a fascination for us.

For example, I am a keen gardener. By joining U3A I have been able to pursue this passion and learn from others. The first group I became involved with simply visited gardens in the Nelson/Tasman region and although I found this inspirational, I wanted more practical advice on how to garden productively. So, I joined “Sustainable Best Practice Gardening” and learned amazing techniques from

Christmas Recipe

the gardening guru, Bill Brett.

Another group I joined was more physical than intellectual. I found a walking group that made me take regular exercise with a group of like-minded people who fortunately walked at the same pace as me!

I soon built up the confidence to start my own U3A group. As an avid fan of The Chase I decided to start a trivia quiz. I may not be Bradley Walsh but it’s going to be a fun way of keeping the grey matter working.

Only 4 Ingredients!

• 1 cup butter, cubed • 3/4 cup sugar • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla • 2 1/4 cups flour • Sprinkles of your choice -optional Makes about 80 bites

When SeniorNet closed its doors in Nelson many of its members transferred to U3A to continue learning how to get the most from their iPhones and iPads. Others joined U3A for the digital photography group.

Some more examples of typical U3A Nelson study groups are: Classical Music, Chess for Beginners, Geology, Bird Watching, Write Your Life, Opera, Military History. In fact, there are over 40 groups of varying sizes. Most groups meet in a member’s home, some larger groups meet at Olive Estate or The Honest Lawyer.

To use a well-worn phrase – there’s something for everyone.

Take a look at our website: www.u3anelson.org. nz and come along to one of the bi-monthly meetings at Elim Church, Main Road, Stoke to find out more.

Guest speakers, morning tea and the opportunity to consider joining our learning groups.

Instructions Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Whisk the butter and sugar together. Mix the vanilla. Add flour and mix well. The dough will have a sandy texture. Add sprinkles and beat again. Brush the dough with your hands until it forms a ball. Put the dough in a 9x13 pan lined with parchment paper.

Refrigerate for 1 hour. Take the parchment paper, take the dough out of the tray and cut it into square bites. Place the squares about an inch apart on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 9-11 minutes or until the bottoms start to turn brown.

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Grey Power Nelson

News

A heartwarming tradition: Trees of Remembrance shine on As the holiday season approaches, the Nelson Tasman region once again welcomes the heartfelt return of Trees of Remembrance. These trees symbolise more than just festive decorations; they offer an opportunity to support Nelson Tasman Hospice and remember those who can’t be with us during Christmas.

Trees of Remembrance will take root at Farmers stores in Nelson and Richmond, from the 16th of November, staying put until Christmas Eve. You can contribute by making a donation or purchasing a hand-painted bauble for $15.99, knowing that, despite being part of a nationwide hospice fundraising campaign by Farmers, all the funds raised in the region will directly benefit the local community.

But the spirit of giving extends beyond the stores.

Community trees are also available at New World Stoke & Nelson, possibly the Nelson Market and the Richmond Mall between the 1st – 8th of December, and Westpac and House of Travel in Motueka between the 8 – 14th of December (see below for dates & locations).

Dedicated volunteers, including individuals and service organisations like the Lions Club Richmond, Whakatu Maori Women’s Welfare League, Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce, and Findex, make

Trees of remembrance Chris Ferguson and Christine Jackson. these community events possible.

The Trees of Remembrance campaign is vital for the Hospice, allowing people to provide personal messages in memory of loved ones. When the season ends, these cards are collected, blessed in a ceremony, and their ashes scattered on Hospice grounds.

In 2023 for the very first time, Trees of Remembrance will also be lighting up Nelson Airport.

The trees at the airport are sponsored and decorated by local businesses who have actively chosen to support Nelson Tasman Hospice this Christmas.

The trees will be on display

to the public from the 1st of December and all visitors to the airport can take part in a people’s choice award with the winning business taking away a prize of a $5000 advertising package from Go Media.

Nelson Tasman Hospice offers free specialist palliative care for people of all ages with life-limiting illnesses, supporting them and their families through illness, death, and bereavement. They bridge the gap in funding, with around $3.5 million needed annually, primarily raised by the community.

With a team of 60 clinical professionals, they care for

about 240 patients each month, providing clinical oversight and specialist care. Nelson Tasman Hospice also provide free specialist equipment for hospice patients to use in the places they call home, palliative care education, and collaborate with district nurses for rural care.

Nelson Tasman Hospice operates as a Charitable Trust, touching countless lives throughout the Nelson Tasman community every year.

Keep a look out for the Trees of Remembrance as Christmas approaches this year and take a moment to remember your loved ones.

Trees will be in the following locations: Nelson Farmers Nelson Airport Nelson New World Richmond Farmers Richmond Richmond Mall Stoke New World Motueka Westpac House of Travel

16th Nov – 24th Dec 1st Dec – 11th Jan 1st – 8th Dec 16th Nov – 24th Dec 1st – 8th Dec 1st – 8th Dec 8th Dec 11 – 14th Dec

Grey Power Nelson

11

News

Asset protection trends and options

The two guarantees in life are change and death. Keeping your personal affairs in order and up to date as trends change is vitally important to ensure that when you die your assets are distributed as you intended.

In the 90’s setting up and owning your home in a Family Trust was the trend.

Creditor and relationship protections, along with ensuring your home was not counted as a personal asset for residential care subsidy purposes were key factors.

As time has gone on, law and public policy have adapted to the changing environment. Much of the asset protection offered by Trusts has been eroded leading to this trend being reversed.

A trust no longer offers tax advantages, absolute protection from care costs or complete protection from relationship property claims, as shown in recent Court cases. The

changes to the Trusts Act since January 2021 also placed much higher levels of compliance upon trustees, especially professional trustees. For many people, maintaining their Trust has become unaffordable and the cost outweighs the limited benefit. One of the key changes is your obligation to disclose information not only to all the beneficiaries of the Trust but also to the IRD. If you set up a Trust in the 90’s and are not sure if it is still fit for purpose, we recommend you seek legal advice as to whether it should now be wound up. Some of the protections previously provided by a Trust can be replicated via other asset protection vehicles.

A Contracting Out Agreement (or “prenup’’) is a contract which stipulates who retains the ownership of which assets in the event of a separation or death. It is common practice for a house that was previously in one partner’s trust to be ring-fenced as their separate property under a Con-

tracting Out Agreement.

This ensures that the house does not become relationship property and risk being divided.

For couples, owning your home as tenants in common (as opposed to as joint tenants) is another useful tool not only where you have a blended family but also

to provide some (albeit limited) protection from the costs of care after one of you has died.

To ensure you get the best out of these asset planning tools, we recommend you review your Will every five years or when big life events happen to ensure it remains relevant.

For more useful information and advice visit

www.greypowernelson.org.nz

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12

News

Grey Power Nelson

Reframing Retirement – Celebrating Longevity Angela Robertson Globally, the population is ageing. Here in New Zealand, it is predicted a fifth of us will be over 65 years of age by 2034. Traditionally, when we reached 65, it was the magic age that many of us made the transition into what we call ‘Retirement’ as it’s the age at which we are entitled to universal superannuation.

The practice of exiting the workplace after reaching a certain age and entering the life stage we call ‘Retirement’ was introduced in the 18th Century and was more widely adopted in the 19th and 20th Century.

Nowadays, there is no compulsory ‘Retirement Age’ in Aotearoa. In the 21st Century ‘Retirement’, or ‘Semi-Retirement’ as a life stage, means different things to different people. While some remain in paid work on either a full or part-time basis, many look forward to exiting the workplace and giving up the daily commute.

‘Retirement’ commences immediately after leaving the workplace. Initially we may look forward to taking a well-earned rest and spending more time with the important people in our lives. Travel may be planned, new routines are established, and we begin to focus time and energy on the activities we enjoy.

However, over time ‘Retirement’ may not meet everyone’s expectations, intensified with the impact of the COVID pandemic.

We may experience dis-

appointment, uncertainty, a lack of purpose, poor health, financial insecurity, loneliness and/or sadness – maybe through loss of a loved one. It’s vital that if we find ourselves in this situation we shift out of this phase, develop an attitude of gratitude, and take control of our wellbeing in later life.

It’s time to ‘Reframe Retirement’ and celebrate longevity by reminding ourselves that chronological age is just a number, not an impediment. It’s our functional age that matters. How we feel about ageing, impacts on how we age. We have so many choices on how we spend our time and a duty to

ourselves to age as well as we can. We can meet new people, try new activities, visit, or invite old friends around for a meal, learn new skills, share our experiences, document our memories or family history, volunteer or take on a significant project at any age. It’s up to each of us to make the most of our extended lifespans. After all, life is a gift for us to enjoy, and later life can be even more fulfilling than what has gone before.

Go well and enjoy the adventure.

Dr. Angela Robertson is an Author, Inspirational Speaker, Facilitator with a wealth

of experience in maximising individual and collective potential. Through her writing and speaking engagements she encourages people, regardless of their age and stage, to continually expand their horizons, leverage their strengths, and channel their energy into activities that matter.

Email: Angela for more information kiaora@ angelarobertson.nz

Grey Power Nelson

News

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Stoke Central Combined Probus Club Jocelyn Bell Firstly, what is PROBUS? The first clubs in the South Pacific region were the Probus Club of Kapiti Coast in New Zealand in 1974 and the Probus Club of Hunters Hill in Australia in 1976. Next year Probus will celebrate its 50th year since foundation.

There are now many clubs throughout the South Pacific and also here in the Nelson Marlborough region. Some Probus clubs are solely male or female membership and others are combined, as we are.

The root values of ‘PRO’ for professional and ‘BUS’ for business has changed to reflect modern times and has removed the reference to “professional and business people”. It is now open to all retired and semi-retired persons regardless. The motto importantly is unchanged that is one of Friendship, Fellowship and Fun and it is this motto that is the core of Probus.

PROBUS Clubs always strive to be seen as a worthwhile organisation by the local community and are non-political and non-sectarian.

Probus clubs are not to be, or be seen to be, a fundraising body. This suits many people as they feel they have done all this in their working life and just want to enjoy the Club for what it represents in its motto.

As we look back on the history of our Club it began solely as a Men’s club back in 1993. Unfortunately, with dwindling

Stoke Probus Viridian Glass visit. numbers over time it went into recess while they regrouped and a decision was made to become a combined club. Stoke Central Combined Probus was established in 2013.

This year in February the Club celebrated its combined 30th Anniversary.

Each month we have an Outing for those wishing to attend. These are planned and include visit’s to sites such as a Walnut farm; Stoke Private Museum; bus trip to Honey Centre with lunch at Kohatu Café; Nelson Pine Industries Ltd; Neudorf Mushrooms in Upper Moutere; Viridian Glass; Cable Bay Adventure Park for a ride for those more adventurous on the Skywire; or a visit to the hidden WW2 Bunkers that many did not know existed here in Stoke.

At the general meeting held once a month we always plan to have an interesting Guest Speaker which has included, Motor Bike touring in the Hima-

layas; Grey Power and Banking Hub; Maia Hegglun our Nelson sculptor talking on his commissioned work ‘Taurapa’ the steel sculpture on the Matai River embankment, to ‘How to recognise Scams’.

Many members retain an active interest in Probus because of the diversity of speakers and outings that are offered.

Topics are varied to cater for a wide variety of learning or intellectual interests within membership. At the end of the meeting for those wishing, we go on to a restaurant for lunch and more social chatter.

The club is focused on a continued quest to learn, social interaction and ‘good old plain’ fun.

The 1st of October marks the beginning each year of International Probus Month in recognition of all active and semi active retirees. This year our Probus District Chair Robin Johansen was successful in getting Sundial Square

in Richmond illuminated in the Probus colours of Blue and Yellow/Gold.

These colours represent the sun, sky and water of the world.

The club regularly meets at the Stoke Methodist Church Hall, 94 Neale St in Stoke on the 4th Tuesday of a month at 10am until 12midday from February until last meeting for the year at the end of November. The club recesses for the months of December and January.

It is now too late to come and listen and be part of our fun for this year, but please make sure you mark the date February 27th, down on your 2024 Calendar to come, listen, have a cup of coffee/tea and see if the club is a good fit for you. We would love to hear from you.

Meantime, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Contact: Rosemary Barling. Ph: 03 970 6872

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Grey Power Nelson

News

CAB Nelson Tasman is expanding Issues over the past three years, like Covid, increasing costs and lack of staff, means many businesses have restructured, amalgamated branches, or decided to close. It’s sad seeing so many empty stores, departed businesses and associated job losses in our area.

However, Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman (CAB) is bucking the trend!

This year, as well as our city office, we opened a satellite office in Motueka in April (Mondays 9-Noon), and recently opened another one in Richmond’s TDC building (Thursdays 10-1pm). No appointment needed – just pop in.

Talking things through is often a whole lot easier than

trying to find the information yourself, especially now when many government departments and others no longer print forms and pamphlets, blithely telling you to visit their website instead. We wonder if they’ve ever tried to read that tiny print or fill in their own very long forms on a phone?

Our volunteers happily read and explain complex documents, help you fill in forms and print appropriate pages for you. They’ll even send you documents the oldfashioned way - by post!

Who else does that? And its all free!

Not only will CAB volunteers help you with consumer rights, employment, housing, benefits, relation-

“We’re here to support you with dignity & understanding” — Your Funeral Directors Bevan & Bridget Hoult.

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ship and recreation questions, they also rather enjoy the challenge of finding answers to random things.

Queries like what to do if you think you’ve found a Kiwi egg, where to learn the ukelele, or ideas for celebrating a petrol-head’s 90th birthday. We’re locals, so we often know things which would never be listed on any ‘normal’ database!

In the last year, while our website (www.cab.org.nz) had more than 3.5million hits, over 325,000 Kiwis actually spoke with one of CAB’s 2,800 volunteers around NZ. To ‘person’ our extra offices in Nelson Richmond and Motueka, we need to increase our team of about

50 volunteers. If helping and empowering others in your community interests you, contact us for an information pack about what’s involved now. (Ph 03 5482117; nelsontasman@ cab.org.nz Our training begins in February 2024, is very comprehensive, and you’ll have your own mentor to support you as you learn.

We’d love you to be part of the magic that happens when confused, uncertain or distressed folk talk to our volunteers who have time to listen, are empathetic, treat them with respect, share knowledge and then empower them to take their own steps towards solving the issue.

Celebrate Life Your Way

At our modern funeral home on Champion Road, Richmond, we have everything you need to celebrate the life of your loved one in their unique way. Reach out today to find out how we can help you.

24 Champion Road, Richmond wrfs.co.nz PH 544 4400

Grey Power Nelson

National Long Covid Registry Paula Lorgelly Recently on RNZ Prof Danny Altmann (Imperial College) declared the burden of long COVID is “so large as to be unfathomable”. Rather than accept that it is immeasurable a team of researchers at the University of Auckland led by Prof Paula Lorgelly, together with long COVID advocate Jenene Crossan has set out to estimate the burden of long COVID in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Long COVID is defined as persistent symptoms that develop during or following a COVID-19 infection and continue for more than 12 weeks and can’t be explained by an alternative diagnosis.

International evidence sug-

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News

gests that between 6-10% of COVID-19 infections may go on to get long COVID. Common symptoms include fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain and joint pain.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s relatively unique pandemic response with closed borders, household bubbles, and a highly vaccinated population means it is important to generate New Zealand-specific evidence of the impact. To do this a Long COVID Registry has been designed and is open to individual who selfreport as having long COVID. The self-report element is key as there is a lack of clinical diagnosis and specialist referrals.

Individuals are asked to con-

sent, sign up and then complete various modules on who they are, their quality of life and symptoms, impacts on their employment, unpaid work/volunteering and their family situation. The modules are designed to allow respondents to do as little or as much as their long COVID symptoms – often fatigue/ brain fog – allow. The registry is hosted online at www. lcregistry.auckland.ac.nz. For those who are unable to access the registry online they are encouraged to freephone 0800 532 150, leave a message and someone from the research team will contact them to arrange a telephone interview to sign them up to the registry.

The registry recently produced its first set of results.

Registry participants reported significant reductions in income, many having used up their sick leave and a large number of individuals working despite being un-

well (presenteeism). Participants report a reduction in their quality of life since before they were infected, and many are unable to do their usual activities. The registry continues to recruit people with long COVID symptoms and the more individuals who contribute, the more robust the evidence that will be provided to the Ministry of Health and Te Whatu Ora to help design services and policies to support individuals and their whānau. Until then individuals with long COVID or those questioning if they might have long COVID are invited to review the information on the Long Covid Support Aotearoa website www.longcovidsupport.co.nz.

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