8 April, 2014

Politicians agree on ageing with dignity and respect

At Age Concern New Zealand’s national conference, held today in Wellington, Hon Jo Goodhew, Minister for Senior Citizens, announced $170,000 of contestable funding for two new specialist elder abuse and neglect prevention services in the areas of Rotorua and Wairoa.

Mrs Goodhew was one of five MPs participating in a panel discussion on the questions
“How should government engage with older people, and what is your party’s commitment to older people?”

Also present on the panel, Kevin Hague, Green Party Spokesperson Older People, said that “everyone deserves a good life and a fair future. Human rights start in small places close to home.”

Rt Hon Winston Peters said “New Zealand First considers that older New Zealanders must be treated with respect, not as a burden” and that New Zealand First is committed to protecting the vulnerable, by ensuring systems and resources are in place to prevent elder abuse and financial exploitation.

Hon David Cunliffe said that there are currently “unacceptable levels of elder abuse” and promised that Labour would work with the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Health to put in place a contract model to ensure there will be no gaps in Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services across the country.

Hon Peter Dunne promoted ageing with dignity and the idea of older people living an “empowering lifestyle”.

The new funding is welcomed by Age Concern, which deals with over 2,000 cases of elder abuse and neglect every year.

ENDS

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