NEW ZEALAND: Concerned That Elderly Keep Warm This Winter

GISBORNE, New Zealand (Gisborne Herald), July 10, 2006: CONCERN is growing for the elderly that they might not be getting enough to keep them warm as winter nears its peak and temperatures plunge. Executive officer at Age Concern Tairawhiti Francis Toroa says she is concerned about heating in the winter for the elderly because they are not keeping themselves as warm as they should or could be. She says elderly are conscious of the price of power and use it very responsibly. This often does not include running a heater or electric blanket. "It is terrible and I do not know how they survive on a limited income. It must be horrific. Just paying a power bill must raise their stress levels. It is bad enough having to pay a power bill myself." She went to the home of an elderly man and found newspapers all over the bed for insulation. "He told me that is how he kept himself warm, because he had only a few blankets." People with medical-related disabilities are entitled to an allowance for their power bill if they have seen a doctor and are qualified. "Most elderly should be entitled to get it," she said. She believes Work and Income should be making presentations about what the elderly are entitled to because most people do not know what help they can receive through Winz. Age Concern Tairawhiti, in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice, offer firewood to the elderly for $5 a load. "The Ministry of Justice cut it up and we administer it," said Mrs. Toroa. She would like to reinforce what Chief Executive Officer of Age Concern New Zealand Anne Martin has said. "The elderly should not compromise on warmth as they try to juggle higher-than- expected power bills. Age Concern expects others will be shocked by the power bills." Mrs Toroa says although she knows power will never be free or get any cheaper, the fact is elderly are not in a financial position to pay their power bills with the amount of money they receive on the benefit. By Georgia Komene Copyright 2006 Gisborne Herald