Stewart Barbara: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
Stewart Barbara: Questions for Oral Answer — Questions to Ministers 
[Volume:641;Page:11435] 
9.  
BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) 
 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) 
: 
 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 Williamson 
: He’s got a conflict of interest. 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: 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. 
Barbara Stewart 
: How will those who are entitled to the card be receiving it and how will they know how to use it? 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: [ 
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 Carter 
: Can 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 
: I think it is probably the 1000th 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. 
Barbara Stewart 
: How has the card been received by key stakeholders? 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: 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. 
Barbara Stewart 
: What other initiatives has New Zealand First initiated for our seniors? 
Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS 
: 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.