Stewart Barbara: Debate on Prime Minister’s Statement 
Stewart Barbara: Debate on Prime Minister’s Statement 
[Volume:629;Page:1193] 
BARBARA STEWART (NZ First) 
: 
 It is a real pleasure to follow a misery merchant like the previous speaker. He is a political retread who is a horrible example of what politicians can be. 
New Zealand First is really looking forward to a busy year ahead as we begin to make a positive difference to groups of New Zealanders. We want to make a difference for the better. As the Prime Minister said yesterday it is possible for those with goodwill to work together in the interests of New Zealanders. Our policy gains secured under the supply and confidence agreement are really significant and they were listed in the Prime Minister’s statement yesterday. [ 
interruption 
] I would like to tell that member over there that it often shows a fine command of the English language to actually say nothing. 
As from 1 April New Zealand First will ensure that the rate of superannuation is set at 66 percent of the average wage. That should really help our senior citizens and their living standards. It will particularly boost all of those people who are on fixed incomes. 
 Work is also going to be done to develop a seniors card that will be able to be used to identify the holder’s eligibility for all public sector entitlements and which will be capable of being used for claiming negotiated commercial discounts. New Zealand First will also be investigating ways to improve options for senior citizens who may be eligible for foreign pensions like some people over there as well as New Zealand superannuation an issue that all MPs receive numerous letters on. And of course with New Zealand First’s interest in senior care the issue of elder care will be addressed as a matter of priority in the 2006 Budget an issue that even National members will agree with. 
Better recognition can definitely be given to veterans of active overseas service and New Zealand First as part of its confidence and supply agreement will be investigating the best ways of achieving that. It is definitely not a matter to be treated lightly. 
The Prime Minister stated in her speech yesterday that 2006 has been designated the Year of the Veteran and we in New Zealand First totally support that initiative. New Zealand First has also targeted child health initiatives in our confidence and supply agreement as we actively work towards the objective of having free primary health-care for all under 6-year-olds. 
Pita Paraone 
: The bauble of power! 
BARBARA STEWART 
: Yes it is. We are sharing our baubles around. New Zealand First implemented such a policy when it was in Government in 1996 but we all know that the amount of funding for this policy has diminished so much that it needs to be re-implemented. Healthy children are a priority Poor child health long term has an extremely high cost to everyone and we need children to reach their full potential. 
New Zealand First is looking forward positively to the journey that it is on improving the living standards of our senior citizens and working towards improving the health of our under-sixes. We are also looking at our provision to work towards ensuring that all New Zealanders have reasonable access to 24-hour emergency health-care. 
Now this is in total contrast to what the Opposition is trying to do. This week’s  
Main Report 
 states that National’s view of the economy is at odds with economic forecasters—talking the economy down so that it becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. That is interesting indeed for these merchants of misery and doom. In New Zealand First we want the very best for New Zealanders. I would like to remind National members that opposition from others is very often proof that one is on the right track and we believe we are.