(Question 20)

What single policy or initiative do you believe would make the greatest positive difference to the lives of older New Zealanders, and why?

National

The single greatest policy to make a difference for older New Zealanders is improving financial security in retirement. We’ve already increased KiwiSaver contribution rates and will make further changes, including compulsory KiwiSaver contributions, support for parents during parental leave, and continued employer contributions for workers over 65.

Greens

The Green Party’s tax policy will redistribute wealth to address the rising cost of living pressure that impacts so many aspects of daily struggles, including a tax free bracket for those earning under $10,000, stronger community initiatives, free transport, and revitalizing of our health sector. There is enough in Aotearoa for all of us, and our seniors and elders must be looked after.

Labour

At a time when the cost of living is biting hard, older New Zealanders should not be left wondering how they will make ends meet. Seniors have spent decades contributing to our country. They deserve security, stability, and dignity in retirement. Labour’s number one priority is a more affordable New Zealand; that’s why our policies are focused on making it cheaper and easier to access healthcare, why we have capped public transport fares to $20, and why we are bringing down the cost of installing solar – so that your and your families’ bills are lower.

Labour is also standing up for seniors as consumers too. Retirement village residents must be listened to, not side-lined in favour of operators. If elected, a Labour Government will ensure you or your family get your money back within three months of leaving a retirement village. We’re stepping in where National has been missing and taking real action on the cost of living.

N Z First

Age Care reform with bi-partisan support is an investment in New Zealand. Allowing as many New Zealanders as possible to stay well, live independently and enjoy a high quality of life benefits us all.

Opportunity Party

A ten-year cross-party Health Plan. Almost every problem older New Zealanders have with the health system — the wait for a hip, the rest home with no clinician on site at two in the morning, the discharge with no follow-up — traces back to a system that plans in three-year increments while people age over decades. The workforce takes a decade to train and hospitals take a decade to build.

Ageing in place has been an official policy since 2001 and still has no funded architecture behind it, because each government has had just enough  time to announce a direction and not enough to deliver one.

Authorised by,

Lew Rohloff
President
Upper Hutt Grey Power Association.

Mail to: lew.rohloff14@gmail.com