7. BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
How much extra per week will people on New Zealand superannuation receive as a result of the annual adjustment coming into effect on 1 April this year?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
Superannuation and veterans pension rates are being set at 66 percent of the net average weekly wage as at 1 April 2007, in line with the Government’s agreement with New Zealand First. From 1 April the rates for New Zealand superannuation and the veterans pension will be increased by 5 percent. If the rates had risen by the consumer price index adjustment alone, they would have risen by 2.63 percent. The increase for a married couple will be $20.24 per week net, or $1,052.48 per year. The increase for a single person living alone will be $13.16 per week, or $684 per year.
Can the Minister advise the House of any other policies aimed at improving the lives of our seniors?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
I am aware that good progress is being made on the SuperGold card, and that New Zealand First is working with the Government to progress the matter of portability of overseas pensions and funding within the elder-care sector.