Grey Power South Otago president Gwynneth Butler spoke to the Clutha District Council during the last of three days of long-term plan hearings in Balclutha yesterday, and issued the stark warning to councillors.
Mrs Butler said councillors were failing to listen to the concerns of seniors locally, and instead presenting them with their own assumptions about what they needed.
Her organisation had conducted research on older people’s concerns through meetings in the district, and she presented some of its conclusions during the hearing.
She said people were worried about the increasing cost of living, driven by groceries, accommodation and bills such as rates.
"On what grassy verge are you happy for our old people to put their tents when they can’t afford to stay in their houses any longer?
"There has been a major decline in all community groups throughout South Otago. Many blame Covid, but I believe it’s a paradigm shift in society, and a crisis in the making.
"The next 10 years will be crucial. Council has to go and reach out to senior groups and listen — not talk — to them. We need a strategy in place for the district’s seniors that takes account of their concerns and works to address their actual needs."
Among matters highlighted in the Grey Power research were access to amenities, transport and social issues.
Suggestions included locally subsidised bus services; SuperGold card discounts — including on rates; assigning a council staff member to attend to senior issues; and retaining or facilitating access to libraries and swimming pools.
Mrs Butler said it had got to the stage for many people that small changes in costs could entail major downturns in lifestyle.
"For example, the local taxis are great, but for many $10 spent on a taxi is a significant cost from the grocery budget. Improving civic transport for affordable access to these things would be one step towards addressing this issue."
The council should advocate to regional transport authority the Otago Regional Council on behalf of residents, she suggested
Mrs Butler said Grey Power itself was not immune to the changing social landscape, and had almost folded recently.
"But we’re not going to let that happen ... We’re here to stay."
