KEY POINTS:
Grey Power national president Graham Stairmand died this morning.
In a press statement the organisation said Mr Stairmand had passed away. The cause of death was not being released immediately.
Grey Power spokeswoman Violet McCowatt said the funeral would be on Wednesday at John Rhind in Christchurch at 1pm and she expressed sympathy to his family.
"Always a thorough gentleman, a loyal and long-serving officer of Grey Power, he has put his heart and sole into improving the lot of seniors in New Zealand," Ms McCowatt said.
"It has been an immense privilege working with Graham, who is held in high esteem by all his colleagues."
NZ First MP Winston Peters, whose party is largely supported by older people, said Mr Stairmand had been in hospital for some time.
"He was a strong voice and advocate for seniors the country over and we in New Zealand First had met with him regularly over the past several years in his advocacy role."
Mr Peters said Mr Stairmand was a strong supporter of what MMP could deliver for seniors.
"He was always forthright in his advocacy and told it as he saw it, but we enjoyed working with him and will miss him."
Senior Citizens and Disability Issues Minister Ruth Dyson said Mr Stairmand was a staunch advocate both locally in Christchurch and nationally.
"I have greatly valued his contribution to policy discussions over the years, not just on matters concerning older people but also on disability issues," she said.
Other roles he held included health spokesperson for Christchurch Grey Power through most of the 1990s.
"He used his extensive knowledge of the health and disability sector, not to mention a strong determination, to encourage greater integration of services for older people."
He was included in the reference group for the development of the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
"Graham never swayed from his commitment to advance local and national issues on behalf of older people. He never minced his words. You always knew where you stood with him but he was always courteous and never lost his sense of humour," she said.
Ms Dyson said Mr Stairmand's contribution would be deeply missed.
National Party welfare spokeswoman Judith Collins said Mr Stairmand was a "fearless" spokesman for the elderly.
"He will be sadly missed by the 90,000-member Grey Power."
Mr Stairmand opposed the Electoral Finance Act and is one of a group of people involved in a court case challenging it on rights' grounds. The High Court is yet to issue a decision.
United Future leader Peter Dunne said he was saddened by the news.
"I had many dealings with Graham over past years and found him to be forceful and fair in promoting his ideas, while remaining courteous and gentlemanly in his personal dealings," he said.
"He led Grey Power well, and his death will be a big loss to the organisation."
Among issues he lobbied for was better eldercare and assistance for elderly facing high power and food bills.
- NZPA
