Paraone Pita: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Paraone Pita: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:635;Page:6695] 
2.  
PITA PARAONE (NZ First) 
 to the  
Associate Minister for Senior Citizens 
: What steps is he taking to improve access to Government services and improve the quality of life for senior citizens? 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS (Associate Minister for Senior Citizens) 
: 
 On Saturday 11 November I launched the much-anticipated Supergold Card a dedicated seniors’ card that will deliver real and meaningful benefits for our citizens and this is what it looks like— 
Gerry Brownlee 
: Name one. 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: I will name 50. 
Gerry Brownlee 
: Just one will do. 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: Well ask a supplementary question and I will name them but do not shout it out in the House rudely as the member is wont to do. New Zealand First made this card a central feature of the 2005 election and with the Government’s help we are delighted that from August next year the Supergold Card will be in the pockets and the purses of seniors across the country. This card will be sent automatically to those who qualify for New Zealand superannuation including those receiving the non-qualified spouse entitlement and the veterans pension. 
Pita Paraone 
: Tena koe Madam Speaker. What other features of the card and information were part of the launch? 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: The new card will have an optional photograph. In addition a special directory of goods and services will be available from August next year— 
Hon Dr Nick Smith 
: A photo of you? 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: Well if they want to upgrade it they can have a photograph of me or they can downgrade it with a photograph of Nick Smith. They can take their choice. But no it will be the cardholder’s photograph. It will be Jane Doe’s photograph. It is optional. A campaign is under way to bring on board those businesses that want to be part of this programme. 
Pita Paraone 
: How can people find out more information about the new card? 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: Two freephone numbers have been set up in the interim one for the many thousands of inquiries by seniors and the other for businesses. The numbers are 0800 254 565 for seniors with inquiries and 0508 650 000 for businesses. 
Pita Paraone 
: Are there any particular negotiated discounts that will be part of the card? 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: I am very glad that my colleague has asked that question because politics is about doing things not just talking. It is about action not like over on that side of the House where there is plenty of pre-sales talk and no after-sales service. Given that Parliament’s most prominent superannuitant is about to retire we are hoping to negotiate— 
Hon Members 
: Ha ha—yes you! 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: No I am a modern-day Adonis compared with him. 
Madam SPEAKER 
: Members please keep the interjections rare and preferably witty. There is to be no barracking please. Would the Minister please continue. 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: I am a modern-day Adonis compared with the person I am talking about. Given that Parliament’s most prominent superannuitant is about to retire we are hoping to negotiate a special deal on for example fleecy pyjamas corned beef and frozen peas.