Stewart Barbara: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill War Pensions Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
Stewart Barbara: New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill War Pensions Amendment Bill — Third Readings 
[Volume:632;Page:3912] 
BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) 
: 
 On behalf of New Zealand First it is with pleasure that I rise to support the third readings of the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Amendment Bill and the War Pensions Amendment Bill. New Zealand First is 100 percent behind these bills. We want fair and equitable treatment for our seniors and our veterans and we believe it is about time that that has come about. We are pleased to see that the bills will at last have their third and final reading today so that they are quickly passed into law. 
 New Zealand First always maintains that the treatment of our seniors sends a clear signal of our status as a developed nation. We believe that we must focus the actions and attitudes of both our Government and our Government agencies towards our seniors ensuring that their valued status in society is clearly evident. 
This legislation amends the eligibility rules for New Zealand superannuation under the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001 for New Zealand superannuation in relation to persons with partners or spouses living in long-term residential care—and I know that the previous speaker noted how many of those people there are in New Zealand. It also increases the time people can continue to live overseas and work voluntarily for an aid agency while they receive New Zealand superannuation. 
This legislation we are pleased to see contains some really positive changes that ensure that superannuitants and veterans are able to live in dignity and participate as fully as they possibly can in society. We know that the volunteer sector is hugely important in today’s society and it is a real credit to all our senior citizens that they donate their energy and time to worthy causes particularly those who go through Volunteer Service Abroad. New Zealand First believes that the change from 52 weeks to 156 weeks will be most appreciated by people involved in that service overseas. It gives those who are involved far more choice than they have had previously. It is to be hoped that many members here in this House will go on to become involved in Volunteer Service Abroad in the same way. 
New Zealand First is happy that the same eligibility changes apply to the veterans pension so that that pension actually mirrors the provisions of superannuation—and that is how it should be. We all place great value on the service given by our veterans and we accept that New Zealand has a very special obligation towards all our veterans particularly those who have suffered as a result of their service and there are many who have. And of course we acknowledge the many families that have been affected by their husbands’ and fathers’ service overseas. 
It is absolutely essential to ensure that the floor for superannuation and the veterans pension does not fall below 66 percent of the net average wage. That was agreed to by New Zealand First in its supply and confidence agreement with the Labour Government and we must say that this is only the start of addressing the needs of our senior citizens and veterans in New Zealand. The next change for our seniors of course will be the golden age card for all New Zealand seniors and veterans and we will be absolutely delighted to see that measure implemented. 
New Zealand First was very pleased to see that eligibility for single or living alone rate for New Zealand superannuation and the veterans pension was extended to all New Zealand’s superannuitants and veterans pensioners. We know the hardship experienced by all those people who have a spouse or partner in long-term residential care in either a hospital or a rest home. So we are absolutely delighted to see that anomaly fixed. 
We must mention too the Year of the Veteran. As I said earlier we owe our veterans a great deal. I would remind the National Party that New Zealand First’s Ron Mark has recommended Nancy Wake for a Queen’s honour four times—in fact long before Judith Collins came to this House. When it comes to talking about veterans often we see the politics of convenience come to the fore. I have heard that veterans say that the National Party is as deep as cellophane and just as transparent when it comes to talking about these particular issues. It is also worth reminding the National Party that successive National Governments have not recognised some of the servicemen whom we hear about in this House—for example Lieutenant Colonel Malone Sergeant Mahoney Des Scott or Nancy Wake or even the Viet Nam veterans and their plight over Agent Orange or the nuclear test veterans. There is quite a long list of veterans that National when it was in power could have done something about. 
R Doug Woolerton 
: Disgraceful really. 
BARBARA STEWART 
: It is absolutely disgraceful. New Zealand First is absolutely delighted to see this legislation pass. We want to see a speedy resolution to these issues and we will be looking forward to hearing some positive stories from our superannuitants and veterans.