Peters Goes Hard-Out on the Herald Over SuperGold Cardholders Reportage

MIL OSI – Source: New Zealand First – Slap In The Face For All SuperGold Cardholders [caption id="attachment_2529" align="alignleft" width="300"] New Zealand First leader Winston Peters.[/caption] Claims that over 65s do not need free off-peak transport are both venal and wrong, says New Zealand First. “It is also outlandish for the New Zealand Herald to claim that there is not enough money to support the SuperGold Card concessions,” says New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters. “As we said last week, more and more retired New Zealanders will realise that this government is practising a regime of unfairness under the guise of tight fiscal management. “On the question of cost the Herald has conveniently forgotten the greatest cost has come from allowing 73,000 people to come to New Zealand and within 10 years pick up full NZ Super, whether they pay any taxes or not. “If the cost was the Herald’s concern why has it ignored this enormous cost. “Over 65s have been slapped in the face today by the media, doing the National government’s bidding. “The Herald’s editorial is a put down of all over 65s, and most of its readers. To say that the ‘vast majority of those reaching 65 do not need it, and they know’ and this is somehow an ‘excess’ shows their disrespect for Seniors, who have paid some of the highest taxes for the last 50 years or more. “It also shows the Herald is out of touch, being only aware of the incomes of the elite in Auckland, it does not have clue how many over 65s struggle with weekly living costs. “Remember National and Mr Key have constantly said they would not change NZ Super entitlements. They just have, right under the Herald’s nose, but this watchdog completely missed that as well. “There are a plethora of benefits in giving off-peak travel for Seniors – including ensuring they get out and about and have social contact with others, this is especially the case now as so many children and relatives live overseas. No one will deny that health problems are exacerbated when people are stuck home alone. “And let’s not forget the impact this has on the roads. If the Herald and National have their way the over 65s will take to their cars, in peak hours too, and won’t there be some complaining then.” –]]>