Lole-Taylor Asenati: Social Assistance (Living Alone Payments) Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume 
Lole-Taylor Asenati: Social Assistance (Living Alone Payments) Amendment Bill — Third Reading 
[Sitting date: 28 March 2013. Volume:688;Page:9099. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.] 
Le’aufa’amulia ASENATI LOLE-TAYLOR (NZ First) 
: 
 I rise on behalf of New Zealand First to speak on this bill the Social Assistance (Living Alone Payments) Amendment Bill. 
Mike Sabin 
: That’s right. 
Le’aufa’amulia ASENATI LOLE-TAYLOR 
: Not on behalf of Mike Sabin but on behalf of New Zealand First. New Zealand First has always done what it stands for and that is putting New Zealanders first—something that Mike Sabin has failed to do since arriving in this House. This bill which is here before the House for its third reading to some extent does just that: it puts older New Zealanders first. 
I believe that it was Albert Einstein who said that knowledge is realising that the street is one-way while wisdom—are you listening Mike Sabin—is looking in both directions anyway. New Zealand First acknowledges that this bill recognises that we need to guarantee that future generations our future leaders are well prepared in order for them to take up leadership in the future especially for our nation. But at the same time there is also a need for us to ensure for those who have created the foundation for them to actually become leaders in the future that the foundation is maintained and sustained and that the people who created it are rewarded and acknowledged for their service to this country. 
This bill will empower superannuitants and veterans pensioners to be independent. I acknowledge that that has also been mirrored by both sides of the House. It enables them to get the benefits they deserve without having to deal with a process that creates confusion delays and a loss of opportunities. The way this country treats our widows veterans and superannuitants is a reflection of how developed we are as a nation. Superannuitants and veterans pensioners should not be perceived as a burden on our society but rather be recognised as those who have helped create the foundation of this nation the foundation from which we have been fortunate enough to expand and also develop further as a nation. We are talking about senior citizens who have worked hard and laid down infrastructure so that we could build a prosperous nation and establish and develop assets not for the Government to sell off without people’s permission. 
This bill will aim to offer superannuitants a “no muck around” approach and offer support to those living alone. The new single living alone rate of superannuation and the veterans pension is intended to eliminate the requirement to make separate applications to receive the full entitlement. Why should they have to be made to fill out extra forms and more applications? When I think of retirement I think of a less busy life with the freedom to enjoy it without bureaucracy and red tape. 
Colin King 
: What about grandchildren? 
Le’aufa’amulia ASENATI LOLE-TAYLOR 
: New Zealand First—I can hear you Colin King—has raised concerns over the bill’s capacity to benefit different living arrangements because our elderly are not uniform nor do they all fit into one category. One of our main concerns though is the bill’s definition of dependent children as those who are 18 years of age and under. We still have those concerns. The Government has failed to take this into consideration. 
Although the bill defines living alone as a person who occupies a principal place of residence of a specified kind and does not share that residence—I am quoting that from the actual bill—there are expectations that are applicable to pensioners who live with a dependent child or person who is not financially independent and is attending an educational institution. However that exception will expire on 31 December in the same year when that dependent child turns the age of 18. It is a common trend nowadays that most tertiary students begin university life at the age of 18. No student is expected to complete any undergrad degree in 1 year. The minimum is normally 3 years. During the Committee stage of this bill I raised a serious concern around this area. The way this part of the bill was written failed to accurately reflect the fact that undergraduate degrees do take up to 3 years. This relates to the years that they will be considered dependent occupants. New Zealand First is very concerned with how these amendments may conflict with the dependent child’s ability to get a student allowance once he or she is assessed. Our concern is over the bill’s potential to overlap with other entitlements that dependent students may be confronted with due to his or her living arrangements which should be considerably important as well. This can become problematic if it is not carefully structured and may create more hassles for not only the dependants but also the elderly citizens who live with them at the same place. If the intentions of this bill are true in wanting to make it easier for our elderly citizens to attain their rights and entitlements then let us do it right first time every time. Let us do it right. 
Similarly there needs to be greater clarity and informative measures that allow pensioners to gain greater understanding about their rights and entitlements. This responsibility should be placed on staff who administer these applications. Transparency and clear communications regarding the well-being of pensioners should be fostered with respect. New Zealand First would like this bill to deliver a long-term scheme free from political tampering and based on principles of fairness. It must incorporate dignified living standards and represent our nation’s national interest. 
It is predicted that in the next 30 years 26 percent of the population will be over the age of 65—from 550000 to well over 1 million. Those New Zealanders will be receiving a form of retirement income. That is quite a high number of people. This bill should reflect the Government’s intention for the future well-being of our elderly citizens. All New Zealanders matter. We should not have to pull out statistics. We should not have to look at statistics to remind us of that. This bill must ensure that our pensioners and superannuitants receive what is owed to them. 
 The success of this bill will also rely on its ability to correspond to the success of the SuperGold Card scheme. It is no secret that the SuperGold Card scheme is now revolutionising the way our pensioners and superannuitants live. To recap on the success of the SuperGold Card its initiation into society has proven beneficial amongst the holders especially for travel on public transport. New Zealand First encourages greater entitlements in this area maybe for power food health and rates in general. I can see that Mike Sabin is looking a little bit confused. This would enable pensioners and superannuitants to enjoy a more dignified life something that the National Government has often overlooked. It will also signal to the rest of the world that this Government is actually doing something right. We owe it to our pensioners and superannuitants to make life easier. It is time. It is time for us to acknowledge our senior citizens. They need us at this time and what better way is there to respond and say thank you? Thank you.