Wednesday, 11 October 2000

Grey Power Manawatu Urges Our Local members of Parliament to influence their Parties to put certainty back into the provision of New Zealand Superannuation this year.

We have high hopes Steve Maharey, Simon Power, and Kevin Campbell will work together and to use their influence with the government, and their own caucuses to settle this question once and for all.

The National Party took a giant step forward at its Dominion Conference when it acknowledged its failure to solve this question over the past decade.

Commenting on Mr English’s Call For “an outside panel representing the wider community as well as Political Parties.”

Grey Power Manawatu reminds Mr English that there have been:

 The Two Todd Reports.
 A Periodic Review Group.
 The Task Force 2000.

The Nation needs action now not yet another detailed examination of the long-term future of New Zealand Superannuation.

All members of Parliament now have a draft proposal before them and the sooner it gets to the select committees the better.

Demographic trends show that as the older population is growing so the numbers of younger New Zealanders is falling.

The effect on “The Dependency ratio” is that the cost of supporting young and old” will not burgeon out to the extent fore cast.

Steve Maharey’s Press Release echoes Grey Power Policy we agree that;

The rate of NZS for a married couple must not be less than 65% of the average ordinary time wage.

Although we believe there is a strong case for the rate to be set at 67% of the average ordinary time wage.

A key factor in the ability of all retired New Zealanders to live in reasonable comfort and participate in their communities is the restoration of the link between New Zealand Superannuation and the average ordinary time weekly wage.

Dr Cullen pointed out that other countries, Netherlands Singapore have long had pre funded Superannuation Schemes.

Grey Power Understands these Schemes have been used to provide the capital to help drive their economies along and provide certainty in retirement to their older populations.

It is time for New Zealanders to have the same feelings security in the provision retirement income it is time New Zealanders to enjoy the same feelings.

The Prime Minister is right to suggest that if the question of the long-term future of NZS is not settled now it will be the defining issue at the next election.

Grey Power Manawatu agrees with that and points out that it is the last thing the country wants.

We say do it now and get it right.

Contacts Don Robertson Spokesperson Grey Power Manawatu.
Phone 06 3586928.

Alex Stewart President Phone 06 3235400

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