The government's long awaited new pensioner card, the Supergold Card has received a mixed reaction from seniors and advocacy groups alike. Director of New Zealand Seniors Card, Chris Herron says he is disappointed, but not surprised that there was no consultation with his company which may have resulted in a more beneficial outcome for seniors.

As the former manager of the New South Wales Government's Seniors Card, with over one million members, Mr Herron’s experience in the Seniors market is unequalled in either New Zealand or Australia.

“In 2004 our market research showed there was an absence of any widespread seniors discount programme; and so we launched New Zealand Seniors Card. It was the first programme of its kind to recognise and reward our seniors for the vital role that they play in the national economy” said Mr Herron.

For the past four years Seniors Card has been heavily promoting the value of the Seniors Market and recruiting businesses across New Zealand and Asia Pacific. Seniors Card has been warmly embraced by New Zealand seniors and business alike, with 35,000 people joining the programme since its inception.

“Our discount shopping and travel card, which baby boomers and seniors over 55 are eligible to join, currently lists over 8,500 discounts and benefits on shopping, travel, dining out, pharmacies, optometry, entertainment and more. Today many leading national chains including OPSM, Brumby’s, Plumbing World, Kodak Express, Ford, VTNZ, Pascoes and Resene have recognised the value of supporting Seniors Card. Combined with hundreds of individually owned businesses throughout the country, and businesses across Asia Pacific, the UK and USA, Seniors now have the opportunity to save money on a huge variety of goods and services.” Mr Herron said.

“We find it surprising that we were not consulted at any stage of the Supergold Card development, particularly as we had already established a successful Seniors Card program. Perhaps in collaboration with the New Zealand Government we could have given New Zealand Seniors a service they were really after – a valuable card.

“Since March 2006 we have written to the government three times regarding the introduction of Supergold Card and they have chosen to ignore our presence, despite the fact that we already had a working “Seniors Card” model. Our expertise in the field should have made Seniors Card the first choice for consultation.

“It’s disappointing to see a Government body competing with an already established Seniors Card programme. There are however countless savvy seniors and baby boomers over 55 who will seek an alternative discount program to the Government’s Supergold Card. Seniors can avail themselves of a New Zealand Seniors Card from just $29 for a two year subscription.

To find out more, or to purchase a New Zealand Seniors Card, Freecall 0800 550 001 or visit www.seniorscard.co.nz

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