NEW ZEALAND: Super Gold Card For Senior Citizens Soon

SOUTH CANTERBURY, New Zealand (Timaru Herald), July 10, 2007: Senior citizens could soon have more gold in their pockets thanks to a Super Gold Card – but its value is yet to be seen. The Super Gold Card will replace the current Super Card and Community Services Card for people 65 and older from the end of August. It will give seniors easy access to government concessions and commercial discounts for everyday goods and services. New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said it recognised the contribution seniors and veterans had made and continued to make to their communities. It was a result of New Zealand First's Confidence and Supply Agreement with the Government. The card looks likely to offer public transport and health discounts for seniors. But spokespeople from Mr Peters' office wouldn't say which companies were applying to become a Super Gold Card business partner to offer discounts to senior citizens. Returned Services Association president Gordon Chambers welcomed the new card but wanted more information from the Government stating what it would mean for senior citizens. RSA secretary manager Bill Garth hoped the new card would entitle him to more than the current Super Card. So far, the only benefit he had received from his Super Card was a 50 cent discount on a Wellington bus. Mr Peters said the Super Gold Card would be available to all New Zealand residents aged 65 or over. It would be automatically sent to those who received NZ Superannuation, the Veterans Pension, or a benefit from Work and Income. Seniors who didn't receive assistance could apply through their local Work and Income office. People who hold a Community Service Card or a Super Card will receive all their entitlements through the new Super Gold Card. The Super Gold Card was not income tested so all seniors and veterans are eligible to receive the card. War and emergency service veterans would receive a specially branded veterans version of the Super Gold Card. © Fairfax New Zealand Limited 2007.