Still counting?

Perhaps the delay in the release of the last census figures is because they are trying to find more citizens with a trace of Ma¯ ori blood.

BRYAN JOHNSON

I asked this question a few months ago, and they changed to stating the were Senior Voice, but I see they have reverted to Otamatea Grey Power.

Can they give what permission they have to state they are writing on behalf of Otamatea Grey Power? GAYNOR FISKE

Kerikeri

Beverly Aldridge and Kathleen Pattinson respond:

We confirm that our letters, signed under the Otamatea Grey Power name, are written with the full support of our group.

Due to the threat from the Federation, we no longer write on the cannabis issue under the Otamatea Grey Power name. We agreed unanimously at a meeting that all letters relating to our group’s belief that cannabis prohibition has caused many problems in society would be written under the name Seniors’ Voice.

We have a group of highly intelligent members who have researched the issues on which we have an educated opinion, and believe that the abundant propaganda needs to be balanced by peer-reviewed scientific evidence. When we believe that misinformation has been offered in the media, then we respond accordingly with verifiable scientific evidence.

We thank Gaynor Fiske for her questions, and trust this addresses her concerns. Hopefully she will realise that it is the presented scientific evidence that is validating our opinions, not our Otamatea Grey Power organisation.