9. BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) Link to this
to the Associate Minister for Senior Citizens
What reports has he received regarding initiatives to improve the lives of our senior citizens?
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Associate Minister for Senior Citizens) Link to this
I have received some wonderful reports on two levels. First of all, there is wide acceptance of the appointments of the Minister and her associate, namely Ruth Dyson and yours truly. On the second issue, it is with great pleasure that I can inform the House that the SuperGold card will be launched next week, on 29 August, in Auckland. This initiative will give our seniors—
Hon Maurice WilliamsonRt Hon WINSTON PETERS Link to this
Well, the former leader of the National Party will qualify; he will get a golden age card next week, as I said he would. This initiative will give our seniors access to a wide range of commercial discounts, as well as easier access to Government and local government services.
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS Link to this
[ Interruption] You know, some talk and some do. The new SuperGold cards will be sent automatically to those who are currently receiving New Zealand superannuation, to those who are over 65 and receive a community services card, and to veterans who receive a veterans pension. The new card will replace the community services card, and will be called the New Zealand SuperGold card. The card will come with a detailed carrier sheet with all the relevant information, including a freephone contact number for any queries, which I will read out very slowly: 0800 254 565.
Hon David CarterCan the Minister clarify, for the benefit of the House, whether this is the third time or the fourth time that he has announced this card?
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS Link to this
I think it is probably the 1,000th time, because good news needs to be repeated over and over again. Of course, given the track record of the party that the questioner belongs to when it comes to older people, I would think the best thing that party could do is to fly a white flag and clap.
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS Link to this
Again, there is more good news. This week the heads of both Grey Power and Age Concern were briefed regarding the card. Both were extremely complimentary and graciously thanked us for this positive development. Given that endorsement, it would seem petty for those who have done nothing to lift the burden on our seniors to now criticise this positive initiative. As I have said, some talk and some do.
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS Link to this
Just as a clue, I say that one of the discounts that is to be named next week is 40 percent off the retail rate charged to other people in the market place. Now that is a pretty substantial discount, but I cannot give the details of that today. New Zealand First ensured, as members know, that part of our supply and confidence agreement included a provision that the base rate of New Zealand superannuation be lifted to 66 percent of the net average wage for married couples. As at 1 April this year, that meant for married couples $20 per week more, and for singles between $12 and $13 more, depending on their circumstances. In addition, we negotiated an additional $530 million for the elder-care sector, over two Budgets. Some talk; some do.