Nelson Grey Power June 2022

Richmond Library

Grey Power JuNe 2022

NelsoN Grey Power AssN INc

Page 9

Takaka co-housing Page 15

Older people in the workforce

Page 24

Walking Netball, providing opportunites

Come and wiggle and giggle with Nelson Netball.

See page 3.

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Grey Power Nelson

News

Presidents report SUE SARA

Hello everyone.

Where are all our members?

With well over 5000, I don’t expect you to all turn up but it would be so nice to have more than a dozen show for our AGM so we can officially pass matters.

We still require the assistance of a Treasurer and a few more on committee to spread the portfolios would be awesome.

I am aware Covid has a few out there a bit apprehensive

about venturing out but we had plenty of spacing and masks worn.

We had a very informative talk from Driving Miss Daisy. What a fabulous service these people offer.

They certainly go the extra mile with their clients.

Our mayoral meetings are still going ahead so if you have an issue you wish to bring up please let us know.

Again, a reminder about

Nelson Grey Power Committee 2022/2023 Sue Sara Kevin Gardener Pam Coltman

President Vice President Secretary

Maureen Keogan Pat Curry

Committee Committee

Buying or selling a vehicle?

Put my experience to work for you Looking to purchase a vehicle?

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your Grey Power Energy payments.

Please make sure payment is made to Pulse account BNZ 02-010803337980-29 or take your account into Post Bank.

You are required to be a financial member of Grey Power to get the discount.

By now those entitled will have received there much welcome Energy payment with their pension.

A great assistance to many, I am sure.

Currently the committee are looking at starting monthly get togethers in our meeting room. This would be with guest speaker covering a few different items. Tea or Coffee and biscuit included. I would like some feedback please if this is of interest to you. Email: president@greypowernel son.org.nz or pop in and leave me a message please.

In the meantime. Please take care out there.

Exciting news Did you know you can join Grey Power from age 50?

That means by the time you reach 65 and obtain your Gold Card, you have already had 15 years of discounts.

Grey power Nelson are commencing 50+ Coffee and Chat Afternoons.

Commencing June 23rd,

1-30pm until 3pm.

These meetings will have guests along to discuss a different range of interesting topics.

To be held in office meeting room 33 Putaitai Street, Stoke.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Nelson Grey Power 33 Putaitai Street, Stoke (Between Stoke Pharmacy/NZ Post Shop and the walkway to the Stoke Library)

Office Hours Mon-Fri 10am - 3pm Ph: 03 547 2457 P. O. Box 2190 Stoke 7041 admin@greypowernelson.org.nz www.greypowernelson.org.nz

Buying and selling motor vehicles in Nelson for 40 years.

Phone me on

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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.

Political Advertising:- Nelson Grey Power is an apolitical organisation and

Grey Power Nelson

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Walking Netball, providing opportunities Nelson Netball Centre are committed to including as many members as possible to promote netball and physical wellbeing across the nelson region. Walking Netball is just one example of Nelson Netball providing the opportunity for everyone to be involved.

Every Tuesday from 10.45am until 11.45am at Saxton Stadium you will see an enthusiastic group of all aged people, from new mums to parents and grandparents participating in a Walking Netball Session.

There is a large emphasis on this programme being fun and social which we welcome everyone to be a part of.

Walking Netball is a modified version of netball with minor tweaks to the rules.

This version of the game lessens the high impact on the body that running and jumping may cause all while still maintaining the competitive spirit of the game.

Some of these rule modifications are:

The end of year Christmas Walking Netball function at Zink Café, Richmond.

• Participants must be over 18 years of age • No running or jumping one foot must be always on the ground • Player can hold the ball for up to 4 seconds • Maximum of three males on courts at any one time - one in the defence circle area, one in the mid-court area and one in the shooting circle area.

• All other standard netball rules apply This is a sport designed for

everybody, for those who may be lacking confidence or have dodgy knees can give it a go.

Not only do you get the benefit of physical activity, but our lovely team also enjoy the social aspect. You may find our Nelson Netball walking group at some of our local cafes for their postmatch debrief and coffee.

Nelson Netball Centre had the privilege of hosting the Motueka Walking Netballers on the 17th of May. This walking netball exchange

happens every term, with each centre taking turns to host. Next term will be Motueka’s turn to host.

Both walking netball groups are not only excited to play each other, but also enjoy the shared kai afterwards which seems to be a highlight for most.

Walking Netball runs alongside the school terms every Tuesday and if you would like to wiggle and giggle with us, please contact de velopement@nelsonnetball. co.nz

Best wishes to all Grey Power members. for all your plumbing needs 55 Bolt Rd Tahunanui Nelson

(03) 547 4532

Maureen Pugh National List MP based in West Coast-Tasman & National Party Spokesperson for Community & Voluntary Sector 0800 MAUREEN Funded by the Parliamentary Service. Authorised

by Maureen Pugh, Parliament Buildings, Wgtn.

4

Office News KIM HARDING Office Administrator

There have certainly been uncertain times lately around a number of things.

Apologies to members who came to the office when we had closed and were inconvenienced or confused.

There was a notice put on the door reminding members how else they could pay and all the other ways to pay were still processed and cards sent out.

The decision was made to close the office if the red traffic light system went to phase three, without knowing if it even would. This was to keep our volunteers safe and with one part time staff member it was better to have a planned closure than an instant one due to sickness in our ranks. This happened sooner than was expected and there was not much of

Grey Power Nelson

News

a chance to warn members properly. I did mention in these words by changing my article at the final proof stage for the March magazine, but the closure was enacted before it was sent out.

The plan was to re-open back at phase two the next step down in restrictions however the phases were never mentioned again just a change in the red traffic light with easing of restrictions.

This is when we reopened with our normal hours again on Monday 28th March with already being open for our first ‘Out & About’ on the Saturday morning prior.

A quick change was made at the last minute with venues to put some ‘Out & Abouts’ from March into April which enabled all nine of them to be able to take place.

Some of these were reliant on the venue’s rules around Covid back then. This office

closure also meant that volunteers folded and labelled magazines from the comfort of their own homes again although some had helpers as in the photo above.

A reminder that as a Grey Power member there is an automatic $2000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance with annual membership. The number to phone is 0800 894 121 with their website being www. ailnz.co.nz. I hope you never need to claim this but wanted to make sure members are aware of this.

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Please note the 23rd June as a time you can talk directly with Committee about any concerns you have which they may be able to help with. This is being held in the meeting room at the Nelson Grey Power office.

Thank you again to Waimea Weekly, Tozzetti Café and also Heartland Bank for donating prizes in our pay early prize draws.

The next magazine will be sent out in September, and I hope you are able to stay as safe and warm as much as possible until then.

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Grey Power Nelson

Utilities Disputes is there to help Utilities Disputes can help with questions or complaints about electricity, gas, water, or broadband installation on shared property. There service is free, independent, and fair.

When you have a complaint about an electricity or gas provider, complain to the provider first. Explain your concerns and say what you think is fair to resolve the complaint. You can contact the provider any way you normally do. If you prefer not to contact the provider directly, you can ask Utilities Disputes to refer your complaint for you.

You can expect the provider to: tell you it has received your complaint, look into your complaint and respond to you. The

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provider has up to 20 working days to resolve the complaint with you. If the provider needs more time and gives you a good reason in writing, the provider may take up to 40 working days.

Providers should not disconnect its services or take credit action on amounts you dispute while the complaint is investigated. Keep paying your current bills and any undisputed bills.

While the complaint is with the provider, we will do nothing further. You are welcome to contact us about the complaints process and what we do.

Email: info@utilitiesdisputes. co.nz, Website: utilitiesdisputes. co.nz, Freephone: 0800 22 33 40, Post - PO Box 5875, Wellington 6140 Freepost 192682.

Congratulations to the winners in our Pay Early and Win prize draws February Prize Draw Winners 1st– $50 Richmond Mall Voucher P Fraser 2nd – $20 Tozzetti Café G Harris 3rd – Heartland Bank Gift Bag J Bensemann March Prize Draw Winners 1st - $50 Richmond Mall Voucher R & L Cotton 2nd – $20 Tozzetti Café G & L Paterson 3rd – Heartland Bank Gift Bag EB Chaney Thank you to Waimea Weekly for the 1st prizes, Tozzetti Café and Heartland Bank for donating prizes for our draws. All winners have been notified.

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Grey Power Nelson

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Card Security KEVIN GARDENER Vice-President Nelson Grey Power

They tell us not to share with others our pin numbers on our credit/Eftpos cards, and good advice it is too.

But please explain, how, when I got a phone call from the security section of a bank that provides me with a credit card asking if I had made seven transactions in two days up in the North Island to the combined value of $700.

As I told them that card is mainly used for a once a month transaction and has been done so for the past five plus years and doesn`t leave my possession.

Evidently my card number was used for a minor transaction of $3.50 to see if it

worked, then three times using this “Afterpay” business in the North Island. Twice more for service station purchases, and a couple more for an internet One Day Sales outfit.

I went back through my monthly statements as far back as June last year before I had an extra transaction with that card and that was with a secure business.

How the heck they did it I do not know, but luckily the bank is crediting the $700 back into my account. They will also issue me another card and number.

Also, on previous advice I lowered my credit limit, and

as well having had a weird experience whilst paying at an Eftpos machine with another bank’s Eftpos card being told I didn’t need to swipe it as the transaction had already gone through by this “ P A Y WA V E ” thingee.

It turned out I was holding my wallet with a credit card inside in the vicinity of the Eftpos machine and it picked up the code or signal from it, and did the transaction.

So consequently, the next opportunity of going near a bank (when I found one) I asked them to remove the “Paywave” and “Afterpay” facility on my credit card

with the teller advising me they don`t do that “It is all part of using a credit card.”

Banks would love you to spend up large and use their credit cards, but it comes with risks, which you must minimise. Lower your credit card limit, try and get them to remove what you don’t use, and just have one credit card, (it’s easier to manage).

Tell no one your pin number, or let others use your Eftpos or credit card.

Keep an eye on your statements going through them line by line if you use cards at all.

Funds are hard enough to get and very easy for others to spend.

We all have to be very vigilant in this current world, as there is no loyalty from banks any more.

For more useful information and advice visit

www.greypowernelson.org.nz

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Grey Power Nelson

Winter is upon us PHILIPPA FOES-LAMB I can’t help asking “where has the first half of this year gone?’’ I adore winter so was saddened to read NIWA’s prediction that we are going to have a warm winter.

I truly hope they are proved wrong – we need frosts to kill whitefly and other pests.

Our Autumn weather was definitely odd, with week after week of fine, mild weather and little rainfall – intermingled with cooler nights and one or two heavenly cold snaps, especially at the end of May. Hellebores (Winter Roses) will be sending their gorgeous big, fat flower buds through the soil now, so it’s time to cut off all of the old foliage. It might seem an odd thing to do, especially if the foliage is green and healthy – but it’s really important because it lets light and air get to the crown of

the plant, resulting in lots of flowers with thick, sturdy stems.

My major garden clean-up is underway – I’m cutting back perennials, weeding and piling on fish compost from Bay Landscapes before adding a good layer of sheep manure pellets. The compost and pellets act as mulch over the winter and provide instant nutrients when the

soil starts to warm up again in spring.

When I suggest using sheep manure pellets, the reply heard most often is “when I use sheep pellets, I always get weeds’’. My response is “you can’t expect to add gorgeous nutrients to your soil and not get weeds in return – lush weeds truly are a sign that your soil is fabulously healthy’’ – it’s the “glass half-

full’’ approach.

At this time of year, it’s best to plant your vegetable seedlings on mounds of soil – once planted, put straw down the sides of the mounds. The straw acts as a “duvet’’, helping to keep your plants’ roots warm over the winter months.

Broad beans can be sown now – these amazing creatures are so tenacious they will germinate even through frosty ground. Prepare the soil by digging in lots of fish compost and sheep manure and then push sturdy stakes into the ground in rows side by side. I sow two beans against each stake to help ensure a good germination rate.

Seed potatoes can be put in trays to chit (sprout) now.

Place them somewhere light but not in direct sunlight.

You can also leave them in paper bags somewhere cool and dry until they sprout.

Do you have questions around Dementia?

Need information, advice and support?

Need Care Partner support?

Want connection with others in a similar position?

• Information clinics and education sessions • Social and cognitive stimulation activities for people living with dementia • Social Cafés in Nelson and Tasman for people living with dementia and their care partners • Support groups for care partners • Zoom sessions for those who are unable to meet in person (zoom training provided) • One-to-one visits or phone support • A WandaTrak service in collaboration with Search and Rescue

Please contact us on 03 546 7702 or email: admin@alzheimersnsn.org.nz

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Grey Power Nelson

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Something for everyone at Richmond Library PANIA WALTON Library Marketing and Events Co-ordinator

Richmond Library is a hive of activity after a quiet period under Covid restrictions.

So, dust the cobwebs off your library card and come down to browse books and magazines, or take part in one of their groups or events.

Libraries Manager Glennis Coote says, “There’s something for everyone at Richmond Library. If you want to understand your phone or other digital device better, come along to one of our free weekly Digi Drop-In sessions, which take place every Tuesday between 11.00am and 12.00pm. One of our expert staff members will be on hand to give you free, easy to understand, patient assistance with your phone or computer.”

Richmond Library also took part in Worldwide Knit In Public Day on Saturday

11 June. “You could bring along your knitting needles and wool – and a friend or two if you wish - to Richmond Library, and knit in the comfort of the library. It was an opportunity to meet other knitters, see what other people are knitting, share patterns, wool and ideas… or you could simply knit,” Glennis says. Another exciting project coming up

at Richmond Library is the Origins Whakapapa Quilt project. Stitchers of all ages and skill levels are invited to pick up a pre-cut piece of fabric and an entry form from Richmond Library from June 1 onwards.

Glennis says, “We are creating a quilt which tells the origin/whakapapa stories of our local community.

Whether you’ve lived in

Te Tauihu/The Top of the South for 500 years or 5, we want to include your story in our quilt. All you need to do is choose a word or image relating to your origin or whakapapa and stitch it to the fabric we provide. Alternatively, you can applique, add crochet or knitting, or use pens to draw on the fabric - it’s up to you.”

Contributions to Richmond Library’s Origins Whakapapa Quilt are due by 30 September 2022.

Richmond Library also holds a weekly craft group, monthly book group, writing group, movie and documentary screenings, regular author talks and many other events for adults and the children in their lives.

To find out more and to keep abreast of events at Richmond Library, visit tas manlibraries.govt.nz.

Almost all of Richmond’s Library’s events are completely free.

Caravan & Motor Home Warrant of Electrical Fitness

We do all electrical work Birthdays - anniversary’s - Christmas FunCtions LunCh and dinner BuFFets, pLated meaLs ,Finger Foods, morning - aFternoon teas, suppers RestauRant Bookings Ph: 544 6796 or Phil: 0274 100 152 345 Lower Queen street, Richmond

Open Wednesdays - Great Range of Roast Meals

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Grey Power Nelson

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Have you paid your 2022/2023 membership?

If you have paid – Thank you for your continued support and disregard this notice and read no further.

If you are unsure whether you have paid or not check your membership card.

The label should now be BLUE, and the date shown should read 31/03/2023.

This is the expiry date of the year paid up to.

If you haven’t renewed please consider this a renewal reminder.

If you haven’t paid – There are several ways to do this: • Unichem Richmond Mall Pharmacy – Leave the right money and filled

out form with staff.

• Mike Pero – Nelson Office, Bridge St – 9am – 12 midday Mon-Fri - Leave the right money with a form filled.

These 1st two places are held for us and collected once a week for processing.

• Internet banking - Westpac 03-1709-0071804-001 quoting your membership number.

Card/s and discount book will be posted to you on receipt of your payment.

Cheques can no longer be received as we cannot bank them into our account.

Come and see us at 33

Putaitai St, Stoke and get your card/s on the spot.

We have Eftpos.

Opening hours are 10am to 3.00pm Monday to Friday. Single sub $25 Double sub $30.

You need to remain a financial member to be able to take advantage of the many benefits Nelson Grey Power can offer to its members, including receiving the quarterly magazines, taking advantage of Grey Power Electricity power company, having the automatic $2000 death & dismemberment insurance, and national and local discounts.

Tech Corner Were you feeling lost during lock down?

Are you recovering from surgery or illness and missing your library books?

Well, if you have a Smart phone be lost no more.

Using Play Store, download Libby.

Register your library card and away you go.

This lets you download a book to read at home.

Borrow and enjoy ebooks, audiobooks and magazines.

The app also allows you access additional resources across the web.

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They will say a friendly hello, can sing Happy Birthday or a love song for a special occasion.

They use shelves built into their bodies to help our team carry your plates.

Everyone loves them! Great fun for the kids, and the grown-ups!

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Grey Power Nelson

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News

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June Help spread the word for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.

It can be hard to imagine that anyone would deliberately want to harm an elderly person, but unfortunately, elder abuse is a widespread problem.

Some instances of elder abuse are intended to exploit the person financially; you’ve probably heard of scams targeting seniors.

In other cases, it’s simple negligence: Caregivers don’t provide the basic necessities, like nutritious food, appropriate medication, safety, or assistance with hygiene.

If you see something, say something.

Know the symptoms of abuse Bedsores, bruises, or chafing could indicate that your loved one is being restrained to a bed or wheelchair, or otherwise physically abused.

If he or she has recently lost weight, malnutrition or dehydration could be at play, while poor hygiene is also an indicator of possible abuse.

Watch, too, for changes in the person’s mood; if they seem depressed, anxious, agitated, or listless, see if you can discover why.

In short, any changes to an

elder’s behaviour, disposition or physical condition could be cause for concern.

If you suspect something, say something

care facility or home care provider; if they do not take action, contact the police or an elder abuse attorney.

Spread the word with social media

If you do detect signs of abuse, document them. Take pictures of bruises or injuries, get a statement from the victim or any witnesses, and keep a log of any suspicious behaviour or circumstances.

You can then address your concerns with the manager or director of the long-term

It might seem counterintuitive to help prevent the abuse of elders using tools that are largely considered the domain of younger generations, but there’s really no better way to get the word out and foster awareness than through social platforms.

Share informational articles on Facebook and use the hashtag #WEAAD on Twitter. Or ph: 0800 32 668 65.

Supporting Seniors Do you need help with?

Advocacy – important documents sorted, problem-solving

Managing change – organising and completing paperwork

Household management – simplifying everyday tasks, home safety check

Becoming Tech-savvy – online communications, cyber safety Third Age Solutions can help you navigate your way through the challenges of advancing years, finding solutions and giving peace of mind things are sorted.

How old is someone in the third age?

Third age refers to people of a senior age from around 55 years and over – whether you are still working and busy juggling work and family commitments, or retired and transitioning through a change in you or your partner’s cognitive and mobility requirements.

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Grey Power Nelson

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The end of the Care and Support Workers pay equity Act? Grey Power has thrown its weight behind the Etū and PSA Unions in their efforts to get the government to honour a pay deal which took two years of tough negotiation and several court decisions, including the Court of Appeal, to finalise.

After years of lobbying, the Care and Support Workers (Pay Equity) Settlement Act finally came into force in 2017 and provided $2 billion over five years in wage rises to care workers in residential aged care facilities, as well as those who care for frail, older, disabled and injured people in their own homes.

Residential care worker Kristine Bartlett, in whose name

the original case was taken and who was named New Zealander of the Year in 2018 and received a CNZM for services to equal pay and advocacy has expressed disappointment at what is happening at present.

This is because almost on the eve of the government’s Budget and with the expiry date of the 2017 pay settlement looming on July 1 there is nothing to replace it with.

In spite of numerous union efforts to discuss the issue with the government for most of last year nothing has been done.

Grey Power Federation President Jan Pentecost said there was a great sense of betrayal

and disappointment among advocates for older people and others who have had to rely on specialist care workers in their twilight years.

Recently a Ministry of Health official told aged care workers that it was not now possible to get a paper to cabinet, less than two weeks out from the Budget moratorium, there was no mandate to progress the discussions.

Pentecost said it was simply unacceptable to let aged care workers down in this way and she supported a suggestion of industrial action to force the issue.

“I find it very hard to reconcile this development with the same government which

recently announced a plan to support seniors who choose to stay at work after retirement age. Either the Ministry of Health has failed to keep the government properly informed or the government has abandoned frail older people and the carers they rely on.”

The Ministry of Health proposed an 18-month extension of the 2017 legislation, with a three percent pay rise, which is less than half the current rate of inflation, but Pentecost said that was adding insult to injury and nowhere near enough to maintain pay equity between care workers’ wages and relevant comparable groups.

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Grey Power Nelson

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Applying for a rates rebate The Nelson City Council, on behalf of the Department of Internal Affairs, administers the rates rebate scheme.

You may qualify for a refund of a portion of your rates.

There is a sliding scale for this rebate which links income level to rates levied.

The more rates you pay the higher income you can earn

and still qualify.

You can apply for a rates rebate if the following is applicable to you: • You pay the rates on the address that you live at, and • You were living at that address at 1 July 2021, and • Your name is on the rate account

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The rebate will be calculated based on your income, rates and the number of dependents living with you.

We are not conducting face-to-face interviews this year. You can drop off your completed Rates Rebate application form to us.

Please phone our customer service team on +64 3 546 0200 to see if you qualify for a rates rebate or if you have an enquiry.

Rates rebates are granted under the Rates Rebate Act 1973 and you must provide income and accommodation information so your rebate can be calculated.

The income eligibility for a rebate is $26,510.

However, if your income exceeds this amount, you could still be entitled to a rebate depending on the total cost of your rates and the number of dependants.

The maximum rebate pay-

able for the 2021/22 rating year is $665.

For more information and download an application form please visit the Department of Internal Affairs website www.govt.nz.

The Rates Rebate (Retirement Village Residents) Amendment Bill was passed by parliament in February 2018.

This Bill was passed “to ensure that retirement village residents are recognised as paying rates and are therefore entitled to apply for a rates rebate regardless of the billing practice of the local authority”.

This Act will apply to rates in the rating year that begins on or after 1 July 2018.

Contacts for rates rebate enquiries You can contact Council’s Customer Service Team by phone +64 3 546 0200 or email: rates.rebates@ncc. govt.nz

For more useful information and advice visit

www.greypowernelson.org.nz

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Grey Power Nelson

News

15

‘Back to the village’ approach in Tākaka NGARIE JONES Mōhua Ventures are building three co-housing neighbourhoods in Golden Bay to help meet local needs for high-quality, sustainable housing. They intend to demonstrate a viable, replicable alternative for housing developments by fostering intergenerational living that empowers residents to connect with others across life stages. Construction of the first neighbourhood is scheduled to begin in June 2022 with completion set for December 2023.

Although it’s an interesting time for the building industry with supply shortages

and price changes, the development’s main contractors, Signature Homes and Elemental Design and Build, have been able to pre-purchase and store materials, many of which are produced sustainably in New Zealand.

Simone Kidner, director of Mōhua Ventures says, “By signing in December 2021 with a national building company, we were able to put in place all the materials we needed to start building in June 2022.”

Similarly, Elemental stock piled local timber in Golden Bay for the natural timber frame construction of the common house. Local builder Antoine Fitzgerald

and his team will build the hempcrete walls on site with hemp sourced from Canterbury.

These steps have been taken so that this development fulfils its purpose of creating healthy housing that connects people with each other and the land. This means making decisions that protect and benefit the residents without compromising the health of the land.

“When we think about making decisions on the land, I ask, will this be good for the next generations?” Says Bonnie Powers, Mōhua Ventures Development team.

Part of this vision has taken the form of Te Hapori

Hauora (Mōhua Community Land Trust) which will gradually take over stewardship of the seven hectares not designated for housing.

This land is planned to be accessible to the public and planted out in native parkland, with areas designated for food production. It will host a community garden and reflection space at the site of the former homestead of the original custodians of the land.

There are still a few homes left in the first neighbourhood and Mōhua Ventures say they are already taking interest for the next neighbourhood. www.takakaco housing.co.nz.

News

16

Grey Power Nelson

Spotlight on St Vincent de Paul in Nelson Tasman Many New Zealanders have a good and generous heart and would love to help others but don’t know how to go about it.

St Vincent de Paul Society in New Zealand tackles poverty in all its forms through the provision of practical assistance to those in need, connecting up those who want to help with those who really need it. Though Catholic in origin it is open to all those who wish to live their faith by loving their neighbour in the person of the needy.

In Nelson Tasman the Society helps people in a ‘hand up’ approach with food parcels, bill paying, school expenses, home visiting, advocacy, and networking with other agencies, and sometimes provides relief after natural disasters or for special projects. We like to understand the reasons behind needs and to get to know people so we can treat them with

St Vincent de Paul Society at Main Road Stoke. dignity and respect, and aim to follow up and visit those who need support or companionship.

Our valued and friendly volunteers run the Vinnies shops and sell donated goods at very reasonable prices. Shop locations are: 77 Vanguard Street, Nelson phone 03 548 9372 530 Main Road Stoke in the

Mall 03 547 7351 or Welfare phone 021 0916 1819 11 McGlashen Ave, Richmond 03 544 0893.

Motueka St Vincent de Paul is available to help people every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon out of the Community House between 1.30 and 2.30pm. Come in and see us for advice, support, and help with food or emer-

gency firewood.

St Vincent de Paul in Takaka assist people as requested for a range of reasons. These include companionship, visiting, food, firewood, unexpected expenses for families, children and individuals.

We work closely with Mohua Social Services. Contact numbers are 03 535 9809 or 027 391 8639, or via Mohua Social Services 03 525 9728.

The shops fund our charitable outreach across the Nelson Tasman region and proceeds stay in the community or assist neighbouring communities, as in the Westport floods.

If you would like to give in some way, offer your skills as a shop volunteer, join the driver/delivery team, or donate clean saleable items, or need assistance, just make contact in your area. For more information or history about the Society of St Vincent de Paul go to the website www.svdp.org.nz

2000 Age Concern Nelson Tasman is the go-to agency for people 65+ in the region. Our staff of nine are committed, professional and dedicated to ensuring all older people are treated with dignity and respect.

We offer advice, information and support and a wide range of services aimed at ensuring our older people are safe, connected and valued.

Come and find out more at our offices at 62 Oxford St, Richmond Phone: 03 544 7624 email: manager@ageconcernnt.org.nz www.ageconcernnt.org.nz

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Advance Care Planning

discussion and shared planning for future health care. It is focused on News Grey Power Nelson the individual and involves both the person and the health care professionals

18

responsible for their care.

Upcoming information Mary-Ann Hardcastle, the Advanced Care Planning Facilitator from Nelson sessions and workshops Bays Primary Health will be running several information sessions and Do you have an Advance Care Plan?

Advance care planning is a process of discussion and shared planning for future health care.

It is focused on the individual and involves both the person and the health care professionals responsible for their care.

Mary-Ann Hardcastle, the Advanced Care Planning Facilitator from Nelson Bays

workshops which give a chance to complete Advance Care Plan Primary Health will be run-people the general practice.

Please their the general practice. ning several information see below for dates and For more information prior to going to the general practice. Please see below for dates and times.or sessions and workshops times. to register, please contact Upcoming Information Sessions Workshops to complete prior to which give people a chance Upcoming Information Ses- Marnie onACPs 03 5447624 ext to complete their Advance sions Workshops to com- 5 or ageconnect@agecon going to the general practice.

Care Plan prior to going to plete ACPs prior to going to cernnt.org.nz

Do you have an Advance Care Plan? Advance care planning is a pro

Date June 28 August 16 Sept 14 Oct 11 Nov 23

discussion and shared planning for future Location Session Timehealth care. It is focuse Nelson Office the individual Information Session 10-11am and involves both the person and the health care profes Nelson Office responsibleWorkshop 10-11.00am for their care.

Richmond Office Workshop 1.00-2.00pm Mary-Ann Hardcastle, the Advanced Care Planning Facilitator from N Nelson Information and Workshop 10-11.30am Bays Primary Health will be running several information sessions and Richmond Information 1-.00-2.00pm

workshops which give people a chance to complete their Advance Ca

prior to going to the general practice. Please see below for dates and

For more information or to register, please contact Marnie on 03 5447624 ext

Upcoming Information Sessions Workshops to complete ACPs

5 or ageconnect@ageconcernnt.org.nz For more useful information and advice visit going to the general practice. www.greypowernelson.org.nz Date June 28 August 16 Sept 14 Oct 11 Nov 23

Location Nelson Office Nelson Office Richmond Office Nelson Richmond

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19

News

Flu jabs highly encouraged Flu jabs highly encouraged for older people as this winter due to be a bad season for all viruses.

The flu vaccine is important every year, but it will be especially important this winter, Dr Nick Baker, Nelson Marlborough Health’s chief medical officer says.

Not only is winter the time of year with the highest rates of flu, this winter is expected to be particularly challenging as international borders open, bringing flu and many different viruses back into the country.

Dr Baker explains that “our immunity to all respiratory infections may be lower as the restrictions that protected us from COVID-19 over the past couple years have spared us from many other infections.”

As these lift and more New Zealanders return to their usual activities, infections can spread more easily between us.

Older people, pregnant peo-

ple, and those with any condition that makes it harder to cough or breathe easily are at greatest risk.

The flu vaccine is free for people who are over the age of 65 and free for Māori or Pasifika people over the age of 55, as getting a flu shot is particularly important for these groups.

Older adults are at a higher risk of serious complications, including pneumonia and extended hospitalisation during or after respiratory infections.

A flu infection in an adults over 65 increases risk of heart attack by 3 to 5 times and risk of stroke by 2 to 3 times. I n severe cases the flu can be fatal – around 500 people die from the flu every year in New Zealand. Hundreds more are hospitalised.

The flu shot does not guarantee that you will not get the flu, “but it provides some protection and can reduce the severity of symptoms,” Dr Baker says. The more people who are vaccinated against the flu,

the less it will spread and the less flu there will be It is important to get a flu shot every year. Flu vaccines need to be administered annually because protection decreases over time and because every year a new flu vaccine is developed as a response to the most common strains across the globe.

The 2022 flu vaccine contains harmless parts of four strains of flu viruses. The flu vaccine does not contain any live virus and cannot give you the flu.

However, some people can experience side effects after receiving a flu jab as your immune system primes your response to the actual infection.

The most common side effect is a sore arm (1 in 3 adults), followed by aches and pains (1 in 10 adults).

Studies show that when the strains in the vaccine are a good match to what is circulating in the community, there is a two-thirds reductions of risk of needing hospital care. Influenza vaccination supports healthy aging and staying out of hospital helps older people maintain independence.

With epidemiologists predicting that this winter will be an especially bad one for the flu, people are encouraged to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible.

It takes about two weeks for your flu vaccination to become its most effective, and as the days grow colder and rates of COVID, RSV, and flu are expected to rise, now is the time to talk with your GP or visit Healthpoint.co.nz to find for a pharmacy near you that offers free flu shots.

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Grey Power Nelson

Everybody has their taste in n GRANT D SEARCHFIELD Sound Therapy is the use of sound to reduce tinnitus or its effects. Sound Therapy began with the relatively simple observation of the benefit of covering tinnitus with another sound; it now includes sound-based strategies geared to modify specific brain activity believed to underpin tinnitus.

Sound Therapy devices The range and complexity of Sound Therapy technology has advanced dramatically.

Hearing aids Aids come in

different

shapes and sizes for different types of hearing loss.

They improve communication, redirect attention from tinnitus to real sounds, and cover the tinnitus with real sounds.

Hearing aids can lead to less social isolation. The use of hearing aids can be thought of as exercise for the ears; there is evidence that they play a role in preserving cognition (thinking/memory) as we age.

Most modern hearing aids also have therapy sounds that can be turned on (see Combination Aids). If hearing loss is too great to benefit from hearing aids Cochlear

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Implants may be an option.

Tinnitus Masker A tinnitus masker or sound generator is a small noisemaker resembling a hearing aid, that is worn on or in the ear. They typically produce a hissing sound of variable intensity and frequency.

These are used for tinnitus relief and reduced awareness of tinnitus. Maskers are used in preference to hearing aids when there is no hearing loss.

Combination aids Combination instruments combine a hearing aid with a built-in tinnitus masker.

Different masker sound options are available. If the hearing aid amplification alone doesn’t help mask the tinnitus then another sound can be added.

Bluetooth Hearables Bluetooth is the name for a standard type of wireless connection between electronics; many hearing aids are now Bluetooth capable.

A hearing aid connected with a smartphone enables more masking sounds to be used.

Recently earphones with Bluetooth connections have emerged that also have simple hearing aids built in.

Grey Power Nelson

21

News

n noises: Tinnitus Sound Therapy Tabletop Devices These devices typically allow the listener to choose from a range of pleasant nature sounds. At night time these devices can be used with pillow speakers—small speakers designed to be placed under your pillow or incorporated into their own pillow.

Treatment Specific Devices There are some treatments that use specialist devices to apply therapies based around a specific idea.

These companies use patterns of tones to try and desynchronize brain activ-

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ity related to tinnitus. Some are only available in Europe or USA, and some have not been proven to help.

Apps and online Sound Therapy Masking and sound apps are available to download from internet app stores.

The sounds can be played through headphones or through Bluetooth hearing aids. Various sounds selected from music, nature sounds, and broadband noise can be selected.

The future Sound Therapy is not a cure for tinnitus, yet. Current

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of the ideas described in this article along with tinnitus games and counselling personalized to individual characteristics. Therapies that use Artificial Intelligence to optimize sounds based individual needs and tinnitus characteristics are likely to emerge in the next 5-10 years, these should improve the effectiveness of Sound Therapy for a wider number of people.

If you are interested in tinnitus research and would perhaps like to visit our lab in Auckland for a study please feel free to contact me: g.searchfield@auckland. ac.nz

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evidence indicates Sound Therapy is a safe way to gain some control and divert attention from tinnitus.

Most current sound therapies have similar benefits.

In the future we may be able to predict the types of sounds that will suit different types of tinnitus. At present if there’s a hearing loss, hearing aids should be considered.

If a hearing aid trial proves unsuccessful, combining hearing aids with Sound Therapy using music or noise, maybe using an app, should be tried. My lab has begun testing a new Sound Therapy combining many

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Recipe

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Sweet and sour meatballs Ingredients • • • • • • • •

400gm meatballs 1 tbsp vegetable oil ½ head broccoli 1 red capsicum 15gm pineapple pieces 1 spring onion 1 tsp sesame seeds Steamed rice

Sweet and Sour Sauce • 4 tbsp pineapple juice • 4 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 3 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp brown sugar • 2 tbsp tomato sauce • 2 tbsp crushed garlic • 2 tbsp crushed ginger • 1 tbsp flour

Grey Power Nelson

Instructions Whisk the ingredients together for the sauce.

Chop broccoli into bite sized pieces. Roughly chop capsicum.

Heat vegetable oil in large frying pan. Brown meatballs on all sides. Move to the side and add broccoli, capsicum and pineapple pieces. Stir fry for few minutes until starting to brown.

Pour in the sauce and let simmer for few minutes until thickens up.

Sprinkle over sesame seeds and spring onion. Serve immediately over hot steamed rice.

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Grey Power Nelson HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP? Unless you have a BLUE label on your membership card with the expiry date 31/03/2023 your membership will have been due for renewal on the 31/3/2022 and have a YELLOW label.

Please fill in the form before making payment (unless paying by internet) as this form is used to update your record with your payment and is needed every year. The discount book is the same as this year (Purple) as it lasts for 2 years.

23

Membership Office Use Only Date: …………………………..

Receipt No: …………………

Cards Issued: ……………..

Actioned By: ……………….

RENEWAL Nelson Grey Power Assn Inc. PO Box 2190, Stoke, 7041 FORM 33 Putaitai St, Stoke Ph 547 -2457

AUTOMATIC $2000 ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT INSURANCE WITH ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP NAME: MR/MRS/MISS/MS (CIRCLE TITLES THAT APPLY) MEMBERSHIP NUMBER: ….………………………………..

SURNAME/S: ……………………………………………FIRST NAME ……………………………………YEAR OF BIRTH…………………

SURNAME/S: ……………………………………………FIRST NAME ……………………………………YEAR OF BIRTH…………………

POSTAL ADDRESS: …………………………………………….………………………………………………………………………………………….

POSTCODE: ……………………….PHONE NO: …………………………….. EMAIL: …………………………………………………………..

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION: $25 Single or $30 Double, Plus Donation (optional thank you) ………….

Total Payment $…………………….

Mike Pero (mornings) & Richmond Mall Unichem Pharmacy receive subs on our behalf.

Internet Banking: 03 1709 0071804 001 Surname & Membership number must be included.

Your details as written above will not be given to any company for the purpose of sending you promotional material about their products.

Prefer magazine by email – Yes or No (Circle one) All Memberships Expire 31 March Office Hours 10am to 3pm HAVE YOU RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP? Unless you have a BLUE label on your membership card with the expiry date 31/03/2023 your membership will have been due for renewal on the 31/3/2022 and have a YELLOW label.

Please fill in the above form before making payment (unless paying by internet) as this form is used to update your record with your payment and is needed every year. The discount book is new this year (Purple) and it lasts for 2 years.

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Milestone Homes Nelson Show home: 58 Berryfield Drive, Richmond Open 7 days 1- 4pm P 03 543 8663 or 0800 MILESTONE E nelson@milestonehomes.co.nz

News

24

Grey Power Nelson

Government plan long overdue Grey Power has hailed a government plan to support older people to return to and stay in the workforce as long overdue.

The Older Workers Employment Action Plan, released

by Minister for Social Development and Employment, Carmel Sepuloni and Minister for Seniors, Ayesha Verrall this week, includes training and upskilling in finding and staying in work, supporting employers to be more inclusive, and planning for the effects and opportunities of an aging workforce.

Grey Power Federation president Jan Pentecost said

it had always been a concern for the federation that many capable and knowledgeable people were excluded from the workforce.

“Senior people, who have a lifetime of experience in all aspects of work, have a great deal to contribute but are all too often seen as past their use by date. That attitude can be challenging, and it also denies the massive contribution such people can make to the nations’ economy.”

Pentecost said it was often almost impossible for people over 50 to get employment regardless of ability and experience. “That is a

very shallow attitude which has dominated the job market for far too long. It also denies young and newly qualified workers the ability to learn from an older gen-

eration who have skills and abilities they may not learn anywhere else.

This plan, on which Grey Power, along with other organisations, was consulted on, will go a long way towards correcting that problem.”

Pentecost said remaining in the workforce for as long older people wanted to, was very important for the wellbeing of senior people.

“It can be a huge wrench to no longer have a job to go to every day and maintaining contact with work mates and colleagues is all some senior people have. This is a very positive development.”

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