Fairness For All

We’ve seen after-tax wages for Kiwi workers go up in the last three years, but National is also looking after older New Zealanders in their retirement.

All rates of New Zealand Superannuation increased 19 per cent in the three years between 1 April 2008 and 1 April 2011 – almost twice the rate of inflation over the same period.

This means, in April 2008 a married couple were receiving $879.60 a fortnight; on 1 April 2011 the same married couple now receive $1045.92 a fortnight.

Older New Zealanders are benefitting from National’s across-the-board tax cuts, annual inflation adjustments, compensation for the GST increase, and because the after-tax average wage has risen significantly.

We’re giving New Zealanders some certainty when they retire.

Gold Card Safe

Once again, the Labour Party is trying to score cheap political points by scaremongering amongst the elderly.

The Labour Party, without resorting to any fact-based reasoning, claims the Government is about to cut SuperGold transport benefits.

We are looking to address particular areas including a reduction in subsidy levels for transport operators, and reducing the administration costs associated with the scheme.

These possible moves will not affect the gold card entitlements that superannuitants receive.  As Transport Minister Steven Joyce said, questions have to be asked as to whether we should be paying $2 million to the Waiheke Island Ferry for services they would be providing anyway.

It would be fiscally irresponsible not to test whether current subsidies provided to operators are greater than what is required for current concessions.

But it does not mean that gold card entitlements will be cut.