Nelson Grey Power Magazine - June 2023

Stoke Banking Hub trials ‘Daily Banker’

NZ Banking Association

The Stoke Banking Hub at Stoke Pharmacy has received enhanced services to trial a ‘Daily Banker’ service with direct face-to-face banking for hub customers with the trial extended for another year. The Stoke hub has been open since December 2020 and is strongly supported by many people in the area, including Nelson Grey Power. It is part of the Regional Banking Hubs trial which is being expanded to four additional hubs across the country.

The Stoke hub runs in partnership with John Handforth at Stoke Pharmacy. The current services are cash deposit and withdrawals, phone banking and internet banking kiosks. A concierge provides support and assistance. The participating banks are ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Kiwibank, Westpac and TSB.

See page 3.

Miles Irwin

Sue Sara, president of Nelson Grey Power, with Miles Irwin from NZBA and Rosalie Grant from MP Rachel Boyack’s office.

Presidents report

Sue Sara

Hello all. Well as the surrounding ranges don their white winter overcoats, I hope you are all managing to keep warm. The winter energy payment certainly is of help at this time of year.

At this year’s AGM I was elected unopposed as your President, and I thank you all for your support.

It is sad to hear that with the recent increase to pensions came a rent increase to those in community housing, wiping out any real assistance.

The struggle still goes on for a lot sadly.

Please let me know if you are one that has suffered the same.

We have just had another area zone meeting in Mur-

chison. These meetings are held quarterly and the coming together of regions from Hokitika, Greymouth, Buller, Nelson, Golden Bay, Motueka and Marlborough bring us so much in-

formation sharing. Ideas and inspirations are great. I have just attended the official opening of the new extension to services at our local banking hub. How fabulous that again

we have been given a new service to embrace.

All six banks are now going to have a representative on site, on set days to talk with you directly about any banking issues you may have. PLEASE…make sure to utilise this service so we can continue to have it here in Stoke.

Have you used it yet?

Located inside the Pharmacy in Putaitai Street, near to your Grey Power office.

In closing, can I please ask if you have any issue you would like our committee to help you with, please phone or pop in.

Don’t forget to use your discount book when shopping for product or service. Support those that support us.

Join us before you need us.

33 Putaitai Street, Stoke

(Between

Mon-Fri 10am - 3pm

Ph: 03 547 2457

P. O. Box 2190 Stoke 7041

admin@greypowernelson.org.nz

www.greypowernelson.org.nz

Stoke Banking Hub trials ‘Daily Banker’

From page 1.

As part of the trial expansion, the New Zealand Banking Association – Te Rangapu Peke is adding additional services to the existing banking hubs and extending the trial until July 2024. The Stoke Banking Hub now has a private meeting room where people can have face-to-face meetings with a representative from their bank one day a week.

NZBA Chief Executive Roger Beaumont said it is a great opportunity to provide new services and test customer demand.

“The first phase of the trial revealed a number of important lessons, with changes to the existing hubs reflecting that. One of those lessons was that people want to be able to talk to a banker directly and privately to discuss their financial matters. While this can all be done over the phone, the important nature of such discussions means some people want to do this face-toface.

“The banks’ supportive partners in Stoke Pharmacy have agreed to support a meeting room, where a person from each partici-

pating bank is on site for three hours a day, one day a week. They are available to discuss most personal banking questions and assist with payments and internet banking advice.

Bookings can also be made 48 hours in advance of their bank’s day.

“We’ve had good feedback through the trial that peo-

ple would like the option of meeting with their bank face-to-face in a private and secure place. The Daily Banker service provides that. It’s great that the banks, the community, and Stoke Pharmacy support the initiative and we look forward to seeing the people of Stoke make use of it,” said Mr Beaumont.

The times for the Daily Banker service are:

• ANZ Monday 10am - 1pm

• BNZ Tuesday 10am - 1pm

• Kiwibank Wednesday 10am - 1pm

• Westpac Thursday 10am - 1pm

• ASB Friday 10am - 1pm

• TSB Friday 1:30pm - 4:30pm

Te Ramaroa turns the lights back on for 2023

Sarah Wilson

Light festivals have become increasingly popular in the winter months, with new ones popping up around the country every year. All the more reason then, to make sure that Nelson’s own light festival retains a uniqueness that will encourage people to return.

Te Ramaroa started out as Light Nelson Collective, an engine room for people wanting to create artworks and installations. Their first outing was in Queens Gardens in 2013, with an immediate positive response – who knew that people would actually want to come out on a cold winter’s night!

Clearly, they were onto something, as within a few years they were attracting up to 55,000 people over four nights. Many remember the multiple illuminated delights in the Queens Gardens, but also, unfortunately, the queues. So, in 2021, the newly renamed Te Ramaroa expanded across the city, making the event easier to navigate, as well as opening up a whole new series of locations for

installations.

“Te Ramaroa has always had a massive community focus,” says Event Director Michaela Blackman.

“The way for a light festival to retain its uniqueness is to embrace local talent.

This year, you’ll see installations made by artists who return every year – like Sue Heydon, Maggy J and Lynda Duncan, alongside groups of students from Victory School, Nelson Intermediate and NMIT. Over the years, we’ve added venues for music and dancing by local groups –it’s just such a great oppor-

tunity to see a whole range of creativity.”

Alongside all the local talent, Te Ramaroa invites a selection of the country’s top lighting designers to bring some of their installations and projections.

“We really encourage people to make a night of it – this really is a perfect occasion to bring the kids and grandkids to something that everyone will enjoy.

There’ll be music and dancers on the Community Stage in Trafalgar Street every night. We have food carts in Kirby Lane, as well as most of Nelson’s restau-

rants being open.”

“In 2021, many people told us that they came back for two nights, so that they could take their time to see all the installations.”

Te Ramaroa extends across the city, with installations around Nelson CBD, Cathedral Hill, and various laneways, as well as NMIT, and three large works in Queens Gardens. This means there’s plenty of room for everyone to see all the lights. FREE 30 June - 4 July

Check www.teramaroa.nz a bit closer to the event for the map and more info.

Stay well this winter

Dr Nick Baker Chief Medical Officer/ Paediatrician for Te Whatu Ora - Nelson Marlborough

Every winter, New Zealand sees an increase in coughs, colds and other respiratory illnesses such as asthma and flu. This happens as the weather cools off letting infectious droplets spread more easily and people gather closer together. So, we must prepare for as increase in demand for healthcare services and do everything we can to prevent illnesses over the winter months. Many minor illnesses get better by themselves. If you become unwell, stay at home, take a RAT test to check for COVID-19, and rest. Staying home if you’re sick and keeping away from others, especially people vulnerable to infections, helps prevent

the spread of infection. Flu can be a very serious illness for the very young, for older people, and for anyone who has a condition that makes it harder to cough and breathe easily. As people are mixing and gathering at normal pre-COVID-19 levels, there is a high risk that the 2023 flu season could be one of the worst experienced in many years. If you are sick, or if you’re concerned about getting sick, we recommend you limit mixing with others and wear a mask. Good ventilation dilutes and removes the infectious droplets from the air we breathe. So fresh air is your friend. It is important to avoid overcrowding and we recommend taking ac-

tions that increase air flow such as opening windows, as the weather allows, in places where people gather.

Vaccination against flu is your first line of defence, reducing risks of severe illness for you and it helps stop the spread of illnesses around your community.

The flu jab is free for people aged 65 years and over, Maori and Pacific people aged 55 years and over, pregnant people, and people who have long-term conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart conditions, children aged 6 months to 12 years old, and people with mental health and addiction issues.

Having COVID-19 vaccinations, including boost-

ers, will protect you and your whanau from the worst effects of COVID-19. An additional Covid-19 bivalent booster is also available. This is a vaccine adapted to provide better protection against some of the newer strains of Covid-19. All New Zealanders 30 and over can also access this booster as long as it’s been at least 6 months since their last COVID-19 booster or positive COVID-19 test.

People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 will also be able to receive an additional booster, regardless of how many doses they’ve previously had. If you cannot remember what you have had check with https://mycov idrecord.health.nz/ or discuss with your health professional.

Office News

Kim Harding Office Administrator

I hope you are all staying warm and dry. Welcome to all new members and don’t forget to use your card for discounts. You will all receive quarterly magazines from Nelson Grey Power and the National Grey Power as well. The next magazine from Nelson will be sent out in September. We are getting closer to having our new carpet tiles in the Grey Power office but will have to close for three days to enable this to happen.

This has been scheduled for Monday 24th, Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th July. Most of you will have already renewed so it shouldn’t affect too many of you. Sorry for the inconvenience but check the renewal form for other ways to pay if this is going to be a problem for you to renew in that timeframe. A reminder that McGlashen Pharmacy on Oxford Street is now the Richmond place payments can be left at for Nelson Grey Power to pick up. There is an article about

the rates rebate scheme elsewhere in the magazine. The application forms for doing this for the rating year 1 July 2022 to 30 June 2023 closing on 30 June 2023 are available from our office. if you would like one just come into the office and get one. Everything you need to know about renewing your membership is always in the December, March and June magazines. If you haven’t paid by the time the September one comes out you will not receive this edition.

Congratulations to the winners in our Pay Early And Win prize draws

FEBRUARY WINNERS

1st– $50 Richmond Mall Voucher

D Richards

2nd – Highlanders Beanie

P Wall & C Dobbie

3rd – Gift Pack

R & G James

MARCH WINNERS

1st - $50 Richmond Mall Voucher

M & M Thomas

2nd –$20 Warehouse Voucher

M Fitzsimons

3rd – Gift Pack

D Brennan

Thank you to Waimea Weekly for the 1st prizes, and Grey Power Electricity and Heartland Bank for donating other prizes for our draws. All winners have been notified.

AGM Report 2023

Sue Sara President

An excellent turnout for our AGM given it was a bleak wet day. Great to see so many make the effort. Many thanks to Mayor Nick Smith for coming along to speak with everyone. With his busy schedule it was very much appreciated. The last year has been a busy one for your local branch as well as National Federation.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers who cover the front desk, assist with getting our magazine out and helping with the Out and About membership renewal and drive.

So far this year we have had larger number than usual renewing their membership early which is a good sign for our zone. Your committee have been working hard on your be-

half this year and a big thank you to them. If you would like to join us, meeting once a month then we would welcome you to come and help spread the load. At these meetings we discuss issues affecting you, our members. Our Vice President Kevin is also on the Federation Board so we are lucky to have him. He handles the portfolio of electricity. Remember that to be a member of Grey Power Electricity you must be a financial member. If not, your charges could well revert to normal Pulse Energy rates. And remember if looking to change your supplier

the Pulse Energy you find for comparison is not the Grey Power one. That is held confidential so you will need to call them for assistance.

We have committee attending A4A (Accessibility for All) Pamela and Maureen, Housing (Nelson Tasman Housing Vulnerability Forum) Pamela and Maureen, Streets for People Working Group, Pamela, Submissions on Medicine Act 1981. Peter assisting our Federation Health person Jo Miller, Pat and myself attending meetings with Nelson Bays Primary Health and Nelson Marlborough District Health,

finally getting numbers of seniors being discharged in early hours to go home alone reduced. We are watching closely the reduced number of beds that are planned for our new hospital. This with a growing city is a concern.

I want to especially thank our new Treasurer Don Ambrose. He has done an amazing amount of work in bringing the branch up to date with everything. Remember membership is from 50+. If you have a family member celebrating their birthday, what about signing them up. The savings they can make from 50 to 65 is well worth it.

Nelson Christian Academy remember

Brian Ramsay

The Anzac Day Memorial Service at the Returned and Services Association Lawn Cemetery Marsden Valley at 10.00am was well attended by over five hundred family and friends this year. This service allows families to remember their relatives buried at the RSA lawn cemetery set amongst the Autumn colours, blue sky and sun shining. Bruce Taylor a 96 year old Korean War Veteran attended as Guest of Honour, with his grand-

daughter, he wore his medals proudly for the first time.

Before the service begins the Officers and Cadets from TS Talisman Sea Cadets, Nelson Cadet Unit and 23 Squadron (Nelson) Air Training Corp traditionally place a red poppy at the base of all the veterans plaques and salute them.

Families and friends also lay red poppies on the memorial wall and the Lone Soldier statue silently resting on Arms Reverse. Brian Ramsay the MC for the service received a call

Rachel Boyack MP for Nelson

from the Nelmac staff in early May to request assistance to remove the poppies that had been blown around from the strong winds throughout the week. They didn’t want to be disrespectful and cut the poppies with the lawnmower.

Brian contacted Jenny Laidlaw the Principal at Nelson Christian Academy for assistance and requested if a team of students and staff could help collect all the poppies off the lawn as part of a community project.

Within a couple of days twenty students and three staff arrived at the lawn cemetery and collected all the poppies into plastic buckets donated by Mega Mitre 10 Nelson. The poppies were placed by the students on the memorial garden below the flagpoles as a reminder that the veterans will be remembered, the poppies will live on, the lawns will be cut and the students have a community project story they want to share. Nelson Christian Academy have signed up with the William Pike

As winter nears, it’s good to know that many Nelsonians are receiving the Winter Energy Payment, which comes on top of our recent increase to Superannuation. Having a warm, dry home is essential to keeping healthy. I know that these payments, alongside our recent decision to scrap the $5 prescription fee for medicines, will make a real difference for many households.

Please get in touch if you have any questions or need my help as your local MP:

03 539 0480

rachel.boyack@parliament.govt.nz

/RachelBoyackNelson

Authorised by Rachel Boyack MP, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Challenge programme that encourages schools and youth groups to be involved with outdoor activities and community projects. Tommy the teacher and team leader said collecting the poppies off the lawn for the Nelson Returned and Services Association ticked all the boxes as a community project for the senior students and would be happy to assist with any future community projects for the Nelson Returned and Services Association. Lest We Forget

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In your garden

Philippa Foes-Lamb

Winter is upon us and it’s not long until the shortest day – as gardeners we instantly start the countdown towards Spring once the shortest day has been and gone.

Autumn definitely caused some drama here - on Easter Monday a tornado roared through our property – tearing the hearts out of some of the beautiful trees in our paddock and destroying part of a tall hedge which damaged part of my main garden, our farm shed and garage as well as blocking our driveway for over a day.

Thankfully our house, my nursery plants and kitchen garden were spared so it could have been a lot worse.

On a brighter note, now is the perfect time to plant new trees, shrubs, citrus and perennials. Soils are moist which will help new treasures produce young feeder roots, ready for a burst of growth when the soil warms up in Spring. It’s a good idea to dig any holes a few days before planting because it gives you a chance to see how well the soil drains. If it doesn’t rain after you’ve dug the hole, fill it with water and monitor how long

it takes to disappear. If the hole is still full of water the next day, you may need to dig the hole deeper, adding stones or gravel for extra drainage at the bottom, before planting. Alternatively, if the water drains away very quickly, it’s a sign you’ll need to water more during dry periods. Soil temperatures will be cooling fast now so it’s a good idea to form a mound of soil before planting any vegetable seedlings. Placing straw around the mound will act as a cosy ’duvet’ for their roots, keeping them warmer. You can also create a microclimate by putting stakes

around your plants and tossing open weave frost cloth over them – as you know I swear by this cloth – it truly is invaluable in the vegetable garden, not just for frost protection. Broad beans love cold conditions and will germinate even in frosty ground so you can sow them right through until August. Dig in plenty of fish compost, put your supports in then sow your seeds to twice the depth of the size of the seed, with the eye up – this helps ensure good germination. Sowing a few seeds at a time over a few weeks will help extend your harvest.

Have you paid your 2023/2024 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 GREEN, and the date shown should read 31/03/2024. This is the expiry date of the year paid up to.

IF YOU HAVEN’T RENEWED, PLEASE CONSIDER THIS A REMINDER

If you haven’t paid – There are several ways to do this:

McGlashen Pharmacy – Oxford St, Richmond -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.

At the above two places payments are held for us and collected once a week for processing. Forms are held with them and also envelopes if you need.

Internet banking – Pay Westpac account 03-1709-0071804-001 quoting your membership number.

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

Come and see us at 33 Putaitai St, Stoke and get your card/s on the spot. We have Eftpos but not Paywave and can’t take credit cards.

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 Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance, and National & Local Discounts.

Could you be part of the next vaccine breakthrough?

Could you be part of the next vaccine breakthrough?

Could you be part of the next vaccine breakthrough?

We’re looking for people who can help us advance development of an investigational flu vaccine using mRNA technology

We’re looking for people who can help us advance development of an investigational flu vaccine using mRNA technology.

We’re looking for people who can help us advance development of an investigational flu vaccine using mRNA technology

Flu causes millions of cases of severe illness worldwide every year. One important way to protect yourself and others from the flu is to get vaccinated.

Flu causes millions of cases of severe illness worldwide every year. One important way to protect yourself and others from the flu is to get vaccinated. While flu vaccines exist, new ones are needed because the flu virus is constantly changing. Recent developments in mRNA technology may lead to flu vaccines that are better matched to each season’s flu strains.

While flu vaccines exist, new ones are needed because the flu virus is constantly changing. Recent developments in mRNA technology may lead to flu vaccines that are better matched to each season’s flu strains.

Flu causes millions of cases of severe illness worldwide every year. One important way to protect yourself and others from the flu is to get vaccinated. While flu vaccines exist, new ones are needed because the flu virus is constantly changing. Recent developments in mRNA technology may lead to flu vaccines that are better matched to each season’s flu strains.

You may be eligible for this study if you are at least 65 years old and have not received a flu vaccine in the last six months. If you qualify and choose to take part, you will be in the study for about six months. You will receive either the investigational flu vaccine or a licenced flu vaccine.

You may be eligible for this study if you are at least 65 years old and have not received a flu vaccine in the last six months. If you qualify and choose to take part, you will be in the study for about six months. You will receive either the investigational flu vaccine or a licenced flu vaccine.

You may be eligible for this study if you are at least 65 years old and have not received a flu vaccine in the last six months. If you qualify and choose to take part, you will be in the study for about six months. You will receive either the investigational flu vaccine or a licenced flu vaccine.

You will be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses that you have as a result of taking part in this study. This may include parking, meals, or other travel-related expenses.

You will be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses that you have as a result of taking part in this study. This may include parking, meals, or other travel-related expenses.

You will be reimbursed for any reasonable expenses that you have as a result of taking part in this study. This may include parking, meals, or other travel-related expenses.

Ready to learn more?

Doctor Claire Thurlow

Ready to learn more?

Ready to learn more?

Southern Clinical Trials Tasman

Doctor Claire Thurlow

Doctor Claire Thurlow

Southern Clinical Trials Tasman

469 Main Road Stoke, Nelson Phone: 03 265 6163 Mobile: 021 02723271

Southern Clinical Trials Tasman 469 Main Road Stoke, Nelson

P Phone: 03 265 6163

469 Main Road Stoke, Nelson

Phone: 03 265 6163

M Mobile: 021 02723271

Email: sct.tasman@sctrials.co.nz Web: sctrials.co.nz

Mobile: 021 02723271

Email: sct.tasman@sctrials.co.nz

E Email: sct.tasman@sctrials.co.nz Web: sctrials.co.nz

Web: sctrials.co.nz

C4781004_Print advert_NZ (EN)_v1.1_03Mar23

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June

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

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 medica-

tion, safety, or assistance with hygiene. If you see something, say something.

1. 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.

2. If you suspect something, say something

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 longterm care facility or home

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

3. Spread the word with social media

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.

Deliciously fresh Asian dining and takeaways

Come and meet our friendly team of robot assistants!

They will personally greet you, sing Happy Birthday or special love songs. 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!

Story Grans

Paul Lunberg

I’m a Story-Gran, well let’s say Granddad, in the Nelson region, and I see firsthand just how beneficial it is for the children in the Kindy where I read each Friday.

All around Nelson region there are volunteer Story Grans and Granddads. Many more Grans than Granddads, which I think is a crying shame – come on you Gramps, spend some time with these active 4-year-olds.

It works like this. Once a week, for about an hour, the story-Granddad goes

to his [I will talk of males] allotted kindergarten, sits at some spot and children can choose if they want to listen to the stories he will read. I get about five books from the local Nelson library, but many Grans just rely on the books in the kindergarten.

After they have spent about an hour, which is about as long as kids want to listen anyway, he beats a retreat until the next week. Mind you some Grans stay on and help they just enjoy the company so much. The interaction with the children is very rewarding and the staff find their

workload is lightened just a little.

The Organisation in Nelson is completely run by the Nelson Tasman Kindergarten Association. If one wants to be a Story Gran one approaches a kindergarten of their choice to see if they have space for a Story Gran.

A police check will be undertaken by Nelson Tasman Kindergartens, and a few safety questions asked,

and then you are all good to go. The kindergartens request Grans for specific days and times to fit in with their programmes and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have. It works a treat. You can visit their website www. ntk.org.nz to find a kindergarten near you, they have 21 in the Nelson Tasman area to choose from. It’s fun and you get school holidays too!

Native robin flourishing in Abel Tasman National Park

A small forest bird, much loved by trampers for its habit of popping up in the bush to look for insects in their footprints, is making a comeback in the coastal areas of the Abel Tasman National Park.

Project Janszoon and Department of Conservation’s work to restore and protect species like toutouwai/robin and kaka in the Abel Tasman National Park is showing a significant increase in the number and distribution of robins and other predator-sensitive forest birds recorded.

To assess the benefits of pest control in the park, Project Janszoon has used acoustic monitoring technology to track forest bird population distributions

and call rates at over 120 sites since 2019.

The results from 2022 demonstrate a remarkable recovery of robins in the park.

Robins are an indicator species that respond well to predator control - clearly demonstrating that a stringent approach to the control of predators like stoats and rats plays a critical role in restoring and protecting population recovery of forest birds. When Project Janszoon started, robin and other rat-sensitive birds were mostly found in the uplands of the park, where numbers of predators are naturally lower and small populations of native birds were able to persist.

Native toutouwai/robins are making a comeback in the Abel Tasman National Park. Photo: Project Janszoon.

The recent monitoring results showed significant increases in call rates from

for these populations.

The most exciting gains have been recorded in the lower elevations where predators, especially rats, tend to reach higher numbers.

The 2022 monitoring detected robins at double the number of sites compared to 2019, which suggests they are establishing new populations in areas towards the coast where they had been previously unable to survive.

This equates to an additional 1500ha of habitat within the park where robins can now be found, compared to just three years ago. Robin sightings can be reported via Abel Tasman National Park Virtual Visitor Centre app.

UDL: Sorting your energy complaints

If you have an issue with your electricity, gas or water company, Utilities Disputes Ltd (UDL) is here to help.

Our free and independent service deals with complaints across Aotearoa New Zealand – and as the national energy dispute resolution scheme, every electricity and gas company is a member.

With over 20 years of dispute resolution experience, UDL can help you resolve your billing issues, disconnections, smart meter issues, and much more. We will take your complaint seriously and work with you and the company to make

sure it’s settled fairly. Our process: You can get in touch with UDL about a complaint at any point. When you contact us we can answer your questions and help to set out your complaint in writing. Your company has 20 days to get it sorted. If it’s not sorted after 20 days, we will get involved. We’ll start by working with you and your company to try and find a fair resolution based on the facts. This can include a three-way meeting, sharing key information, and performing our own investigation. We use our expert knowledge, communication skills,

and mediation experience to find a solution both parties are happy with.

If this does not result in a solution, we will complete a thorough investigation of what happened, look at any relevant legislation, and draw on our 20 years of experience to determine a fair outcome. Once our investigation is complete, our commissioner will recommend a settlement – and if you accept, this will be binding on your company.

UDL can help with a wide range of issues including:

• billing issues

• quality of service

• poor communication

• consistent outages

• issues surrounding medical dependency on electricity

• issues with gas, both bottled and piped

• issues with trees and powerlines

• complaints against member water providers

• complaints against member telecommunications providers

• complaints regarding installation of broadband on shared property

• general queries

• much more!

Get in touch:

You can contact us at 0800 22 33 40 or make a complaint on our website www.udl.co.nz.

Passion for Nelson earns King’s Birthday honour

Kate Russell

At 70 years young, Derek Shaw is proving you can always add another notch to your belt.

Derek has been named a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for his services to the environment, local government, and athletics.

Derek says the honour is “humbling” and a recognition of the key organisations he’s been instrumental in creating - such as the Nelson Environment Centre, and the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary.

“As part of those big teams, I can’t claim all the glory. It’s recognition of what the organisations have achieved as much as anything.”

The father of three also spent many years as a Nelson City councillor and has been heavily involved with athletics in Nelson.

Derek says most of his childhood was spent in Golden Bay, and he moved to Nelson as a teenager, just in time to be one of the first-day students at the brand-new Nayland College.

“I had grandparents who lived in Pakawau, and I spent time hunting with my father and going tramping. We also spent quite a bit of time at a family bach at St Arnaud.”

He “drifted off” to Dunedin and went to university for five years, then moved back to Nelson and landed a job for Nelson Forest Action Council.

It was during that time he came up with the idea for the Nelson Environment

Centre.

“I had the initial idea in 1976 so I mentioned it to a few others, and they sounded quite keen. I was reading a copy of the Canterbury Environment Journal, which was the first environment centre to ever get going in New Zealand, and I thought ‘that would be a good idea for Nelson’.”

In 1978 they found a room on what is now Alma St. He was the chairperson until 2016 and now serves as a board member.

Derek got his first term as a Nelson City councillor in 1984 through a by-election and was also on the Nelson Catchment and Regional Water Board.

He says one of his biggest achievements as a councillor was helping to establish the Nelson Biodiversity Forum.

“It was the first time that anyone in Nelson had put together a diverse group of people with a shared interest and come up with a strategy of how we could enhance the biodiversity of the Nelson City area.”

Derek continued to serve as a councillor until 2013. He also helped to initiate the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary in 2001 before it was set up as a trust in 2004. He was involved with the sanctuary until 2019 and was made a life supporter in 2020.

“It’s a huge thing for the Nelson community and all the volunteers who put so much effort into it.”

Derek’s son was the one who got him involved in athletics, and it continues to be a big part of his life.

“When my youngest son got interested in it, I ended up picking up some of the officiating roles,” he says. “I officiated here and at the Colgate Games, but also got involved with the South Island Masters Games when it came to Nelson a few times.”

He has been the chair of the Top of the South Athletics charitable trust and on the NZ Masters Athletics Board since 2014. He’s worked hard to boost the profile of athletics in the region.

“We have raised money

for an equipment shed and a hammer cage,” he says. “Last year we raised funds and imported polevault gear and next season we are aiming to get a pole-vaulting workshop in Nelson.”

Derek has also organised teams to go to the NZ Road Relay Champs.

“I’m looking forward to trying to win the 70s category this year,” he says.

“It’s a fun time away, it’s quite sociable.”

Derek’s other keen interest is his publishing company, Nikau Press, which has released around 40 publications since its inception in the mid-1980s. His Northwest Nelson Tramping Guide helped contribute to getting the Kahurangi National Park created in 1996.

“In the 1990s I set myself the target of doing most of the tracks and better-known routes,” he says.

“It gave me an excuse to go into the hills for the better part of six summers.”

Derek is still a keen runner and is currently training for the Wellington Marathon.

“I consider myself very fortunate I am still active. I enjoy fitness and going out for runs, it used to be good therapy after council meetings, you could clear your head,” he says.

“I also like getting out in the fresh air and the hills - and I have to confess, I have a bit of a competitive streak too.”

Nelson woodworker David Haig and Richmond woman Miraka Norgate also received King’s Birthday honours.

Derek Shaw has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit. Photo: File.

New eBus service extends transport options

More buses, more often, more places – Nelson Tasman’s new eBus service will make public transport much more convenient for everyone and there are many features that will be welcomed by all and especially by older adults. The new bus service, a joint project between Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council, will include a fleet of 17 new electric buses, with services that leave every 30 minutes, seven days a week, from 7am to 7pm. New routes go as far as Motueka, Mapua, Wakefield, Brightwater and Hope, as well as the airport.

The Stoke community will benefit from a new ondemand service that will replace the hail and ride loop routes.

“Instead of waiting in the elements for a bus to arrive, Stoke residents will now be able to order a bus from an easy-to-use app on their mobile phone. People can input their

data and see real time bus tracking on the app. You’ll be given an estimated time of arrival for the bus to arrive at your nearest virtual meeting point. It should arrive in less than forty minutes,” says Group Manager Infrastructure Alec Louverdis.

“We recognise people will be keen to see how this service will work in person and we are working with the app provider so we can come and visit community groups and retirement villages to demonstrate this innovation.”

Grey Power members may have seen some debate about the location of a new Stoke bus interchange. Wherever the interchange goes along Main Road Stoke the new Route 2 will see buses travel down Nayland Road, bringing a half-hourly service to Stoke West that can get people to Richmond, Stoke Central, Tahunanui, and Nelson City Centre.

A final decision on the location of the interchange

will be made at a Hearing Panel meeting on 16 June.

“The buses will be using Putaitai Street to get to Nayland Road, and we have listened to feedback from the community and have agreed not to change the layout of Putaitai Street which will mean no changes to or loss of carparking,” says Louverdis. The council has committed to reviewing all aspects of the new public transport including the new interchange as well as Route 2 within the next 12 months.

“We’re also considering changing parking time limits along Main Road Stoke between Songer and Putaitai Street and are working with the business owners in this regard. The likely changes will see a change to the P180 limits to something more appropriate that will increase turnover and make it a little easier to stop to buy a coffee or visit the bakery or dairy.”

“We’re projecting 80% of Nelson’s population

growth will be driven by an increasing population in Stoke by 2045, making Stoke a key location when designing a new bus system” says Louverdis. Other safety improvements in Stoke include the installation of a pedestrian radar at the intersection of Songer Street and Main Road Stoke.

This radar detects pedestrians and holds the green crossing phase for longer if required, giving people more time to cross.

All of these changes align with the ethos of the City for All Ages strategy.

“This community-led strategy was needed because our population is one of the fastest aging with the highest average lifespan to match,” says the City for All Ages Steering Group Chair Paul Steere.

A large portion of the strategy focuses on transport, particularly because as people age they rely less on private vehicle use and more on public transport

What the buses may look like with new branding.

Grey Power Nelson 1999

Jean van Ginkel

On January 30th, 1999, we (Kees and Jean van Ginkel), retired from paid work and left Auckland to arrive in Nelson on February 1st, 1999. We had been members of Grey Power in Howick and contacted Grey Power Nelson, as they needed volunteers with computer skills, I volunteered to try and retain those skills. The Grey Power office at that time had only an Apple computer but its membership lists were not easily accessible on it. The list was on a lengthy sheet of paper which was sent from Head office in Auckland.

Membership was increasing steadily at this time under the chairmanship of Gordon Currie.

A big incentive was that New World and Air New Zealand allowed a discount on goods and services to Grey Power members.

When New World discontinued this service, membership numbers dropped after being as high as 13,000. The Grey Power office was situated somewhere in the vicinity of the present Post Office/ Pharmacy which was the Stoke branch of H.J. Smith’s shop at that time. There was a pokey little room by the back entrance to the shop off Strawbridge Square and customers to H & J’s and Grey Power competed to open the door to either place. It seems as if we have come full circle to be in almost the same space again. In the interim we used the space where Lemon Tree Lane is now, beside the

greengrocer who was our landlord.

In that pokey little room behind H & J Smiths we had a table, two chairs and the old Apple. We volunteers sat there filling out forms which were sent to head office and came back as the aforementioned kilometre long list. Gordon and Pam, Kees and I spent hours checking this. Obviously, we needed to modernise and I can’t remember exactly but I think we acquired a disk from head office from which we managed to transfer the data to the old Apple and then, with more modernisation, to the Windows system.

More checking and nu-

merous cups of tea and coffee. I am amazed that we accomplished all this because modern technology has outraced my brain and it all seems too difficult now.

Once it was all on the computer we were able to add new members and keep up with renewal records. Anne Ross was a wonderful volunteer who came in her spare time and kept the database up to date. Now Jo is doing that job. Although we did not have internet banking or eftpos 20 years ago, we did have cheques, which were so convenient (despite what the banks think or say). Some things haven’t changed; there is still a frantically busy period of March and April as members renew their membership, but no longer queues out to the street thanks to internet banking. We still have great volunteers. And we still have a loyal membership.

Emergency Dental Grant and the Community Services Card

Maureen Keogan Nelson Grey Power Committee

To have a Community Services Card is “Means Tested” but when you have one your doctors’ fees are cheaper and you can have up $1,000 Dental a year!

My husband Brian and I went to the dentist, Brian had a check-up and when we got downstairs, the receptionist asked when we wanted the next appointment to do three fillings. I said could it please be next pension pay day? Reply was “Oh do you have a Community Services Card?” We said we did. Then she rang upstairs, and the dentist filled in a form doing a quote for the check up and to do the

EMERGENCY DENTAL GRANT & THE COMMUNITY SERVICES CARD

To have a Community Services Card is "Means Tested" but when you have one your doctors’ fees are cheaper and you can have up $1,000 Dental a year!!

three fillings $845.00. We were told to take it around to the Ministry of Social Development or WINZ and hand it in which we did.

Jacintha Atkinson-Manson and Amanda Crehan

Atkinson Crehan Law

The number of people making the decision to sell their home and move into a Retirement Village is increasing.

We find many clients are deciding to move sooner rather than later to be able to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle before health changes force them to move from their home. The biggest difference between the traditional home ownership model and going into a Retirement Village is that you are granted a personal licence to occupy a particu -

My husband Brian and I went to the Dentist, Brian had a check-up and when we got downstairs, the Receptionist asked when we wanted the next appointment to do three fillings.

You will need to ask your dentist if they do this or not first.

I said could it please be next Pension pay day?? Reply was "oh do you have a Community Services Card?" We said we did. Then she rang upstairs, and the Dentist filled in a form doing a quote for the Check up and to do the three fillings $845.00. We were told to take it around to the Ministry of Social Development or WINZ and hand it in which we did. Two days later Brian got a phone call to confirm who he was, then was told to go to the front Receptionist Desk at WINZ and pick up a card. This card is like a Eftpos Card, and we took it to the dentist and paid the bill. About a week later we got a letter from Ministry of Social Development to say that we did not have to pay this back.

Two days later Brian got a phone call to confirm who he was, then was told to go to the front reception-

You will need to ask your Dentist if they do this or not first.

ist desk at WINZ and pick up a card. This card is like a eftpos card, and we took it to the dentist and paid the bill. About a week later we got a letter from Ministry of Social Development to say that we did not have to pay this back.

If you don't have a Community Services Card why not see if you qualify for one as there are good advantages to having one. See below the income limits.

If you don’t have a Community Services Card why not see if you qualify for one as there are good advantages to having one. See below the income limits.

Income limits

You may be able to get a card if you're...

Retirement villages: tricks and traps for the unwary

lar Villa for as long as you (or your health) determine that you remain there.

There are specific entry requirements (minimum age, vaccination status, current Will & Enduring Powers of Attorney in place) and often a needs assessment is required to ascertain the appropriate level of independent living.

Because there are financial implications to this decision it is lifestyle choice rather than an investment decision.

You pay a large capital outlay (often similar to what you have sold your house for) but receive back only 70-80% of your capital

outlay at the end. You will incur an ongoing weekly fee for the duration of your occupation.

The Village then looks after the marketing and selling of your Villa and repayment of the capital sum is only made when someone else has paid for it. This could be 6-9 months after you have vacated.

The Village operators recognise that making this decision is a big one, so your initial commitment is not onerous.

There are then numerous opportunities for you to change your mind and receive any deposit funds back and many villages offer a full ’90-day money

back guarantee’ once you move in.

Much has been in the media in the last few months of proposed changes to the Legislation to shift the power imbalance between Operators and Residents. A number of reforms have been suggested but it is a case of waiting to see how far the review will go to force Operators to make changes and what those changes will be.

Of most interest to residents is sharing of capital gain, residents being paid out their capital much more quickly, and more support for residents needing to move from independent living into care.

Information About Ageing

The Selwyn Foundation is a registered charity providing services to older people and their families. On its website is a section of Information About Ageing. This ‘library’ of free articles written for 65+ year olds and their family/whanau, covers a wide range of topics specifically requested by this cohort. Each article written in magazine style, distils trusted research sources and facts into lay person’s language. The Selwyn Digest is published electronically every second month. You can subscribe online to receive the electronic

Selwyn Digest. Just check out the website at www. selwynfoundation/learning/information-aboutageing.

Don’t have a computer or

don’t like seeking information online?

Grey power is fully aware that not all older people use computers or even like seeking on-line information so there are options

available for you to gain access to these valuable articles.

1. Ask your family/whanau to sign up to receive the Selwyn Digest and get them to print the articles of interest for you.

2. Access the Selwyn Digest articles through your public library. The librarians are always happy to help with online queries. Your public library can access this information at www.selwynfoundation/ learning/informationabout-ageing. And often for a small fee they will print out specific articles of particular interest.

ARE YOU 60 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER?

Help us find a way to prevent bloodstream infections.

People aged 60 years or older, with a history of urinary tract infection (UTI), are at an increased risk of developing a bloodstream infection caused by an E. coli bacteria.

A clinical research study to assess the effectiveness and safety of an investigational vaccine in the prevention of bloodstream infection is now enrolling.

You may be eligible to participate if you:

• Are 60 years of age or older

• Have had a UTI in the past 2 years

• Feel comfortable, or have a caregiver who is comfortable, using an application on a smartphone

If you are interested, additional eligibility criteria will be assessed by the study doctor or staff.

If you are found eligible to participate in this clinical research study, you will receive an investigational vaccine and complete a minimum of 8 study visits, some in person and some remote via telephone.

To learn more about this clinical research study, please visit: en-nz.embracevaccinestudy.com/

The commitment for the study is approximately 3 years. Qualified participants may receive the investigational vaccine and some study-required medical care at no cost. The study will not pay for other medical care or current medication(s) needed to support your daily health care routine.

Doctor

Claire Thurlow 02102723271

Southern Clinical Trials Tasman 469 Main Road Stoke, Nelson 03 265 6163 sct.tasman@sctrials.co.nz

www.sctrials.co.nz

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 2022, and

• Your name is on the rate account

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 and have your signature witnessed at the same time.

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 $26,150. 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 payable for the 2022/23 rating year is $700. For more information and download an application form please visit the Department of Internal Affairs website via www.govt.nz

Contacts for rates rebate enquiries

You can contact Council’s Customer Service Team by:

• phone +64 3 546 0200

• email - rates.rebates@ ncc.govt.nz.

Please note that the last day for the Rates Rebate Applications is on 30 June 2023 for the current rating year (01/07/202230/06/2023). If you think that you are eligible for a rebate and you haven’t already applied for this year, please make sure that your application is received by us (Nelson City Council) by 30 June 2023.

Celebrate Life Your Way

Sticky pork chops

• 4 X 170gm lean mid-loin pork chops

• 1/3 cup (80g) Worcestershire sauce

• 1/3 cup (100g) pure honey

• 1/3 cup (90g) tomato paste

Serves 4 – Diabetic friendly.

Preheat oven to 160C.

In large frying pan cook the chops over medium/high heat for 1 minute each side. Remove from pan and let sit for a minute for the juices to reabsorb.

Place chops in a shallow baking dish. In a small bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients and pour over the chops. Cover and bake for 30 minutes, turning with 10 minutes to go.

Instead of pork chops try with chicken or stewing steak.

At Milestone Homes we pride ourselves on providing exceptional value for money and delivering smarter new home solutions for New Zealanders.

Now we’re giving Nelson Grey Power members an exclusive discount from your contract price. Call 0800 MILESTONE today to find out more about this exclusive deal.*

Milestone Homes Nelson Bays

Show Home: 84 Berryfield Drive, Richmond. Open 7 days 1.00pm - 4.00pm

03 543 8663 | 0800 MILESTONE nelson@milestonehomes.co.nz milestonehomes.co.nz

Gary Howard

Microwaves first came to New Zealand in the late 1980’s and would cost about $1000 to $1599. Now you can buy better ones for $99.

Refrigerators for the average home did not come into vogue until late 1950’s and would cost about 400 pounds ($800). Now you can buy one for as low as $400. In the 1950’s to have a telephone you had to go on a waiting list for a dial one and then it

was usually on a party line which all the neighbours shared. You had to wait until they finished their call before you could get through. Believe me that was very frustrating especially when it was an urgent call. Now some telephone companies even give you a cell phone with its own computer in it so that you stay in their company. Cars – You could not buy a new car before 1970 unless you had access to overseas capital and then it would be

about twelve months of the average wage to buy. Now you can buy any car you want and with some models you could buy three for the average yearly wage. Housing – In the 1960’s you could say to build or buy a house it would cost up to three year’s wages in total but now in some cases this has moved to several years. Wages are much improved since we were young as when I began working my weekly wages was two pound five shillings ($4.50).

For more useful information and advice visit greypowernelson.org.nz

Please fill in the form below 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 (Yellow) and it lasts for 2 years.

Office Use Only

Date:

Receipt No: …………………

Cards Issued: ……………..

Actioned By: ……………….

RENEWAL FORM

Nelson Grey Power Assn Inc.

PO Box 2190, Stoke, 7041

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…………………

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

Subs can be left with Mike Pero Nelson 9am-12 Mon to Fri & McGlashen Pharmacy, Richmond

Prefer Magazine by email Yes or No (circle one)

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. Eftpos available in the office

All Memberships Expire 31 March Office Hours 10am to 3pm – Mon -Fri

We offer 10% Grey Power discount or you can use our popular Loyalty Card

544 4244

Unless you have a GREEN label on your membership card with the expiry date 31/03/2024 your membership will have been due for renewal on the 31/3/2023 and have a BLUE label.

Please fill in this 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 (Yellow) and it lasts for 2 years.

42 Oxford Street, Richmond Mon - Fri 8.30 - 5.30 Sat - 9.00 - 12.00