Our History

Grey Power is a voluntary organization founded in February 1986 by a group of  Superannuitants protesting against the imposition of a surcharge on New Zealand Superannuation.  

First started as the Auckland Superannuitants Association, the founders were very vocal in their resistance to the surcharge. At that time, there was a media campaign against the Government of the day, so meetings were well publicised and attracted a media presence which meant the movement quickly spread and further Associations formed in other areas around New Zealand. The protest gained momentum and the surcharge was abolished.

The individual Grey Power Associations are all duly Incorporated Societies under their own right and together they form the Grey Power New Zealand Federation Inc: the National body of some 74 Associations throughout the country with a combined membership fluctuating up to 90,000 members. 

The Federation Board consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and seven Zone Representatives. Off-board are seven Zone Directors, each elected by the associations within their Zone. Zones are geographically determined. The Federation has it’s head Office based in Pukekohe, Auckland and is staffed by two employees. Their main function is to maintain a central database of members, provide Association contact points, attend to board administration matters, and to provide all necessary material to the Associations.

Grey Power as a whole is an advocacy group. Grey Power now work in all matters pertaining to NZ Superannuation, as well as being active in the areas of Aged Care, Retirement Villages, Energy costs, Health, ACC,  Law and Order, Emergency Management, Transport, Local Bodies, Housing, Home Care. 

These areas of importance are allotted to Board subcommittees as National Advisory Groups. Each “NAGs” responsibility is to progress the aims and objectives of Grey Power Policies in each area.

Grey Power continues to meet with and advocate with Politicians, Policy Analysts, and those who have the power to determine our future.