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Leader's LetterMarch 2005
Leaders Report Rt Hon Winston Peters
We are totally committed to ensuing that our senior citizens are not among the forgotten. The true measure of our success is how well we treat the most vulnerable in our society. Sadly, no other political party in New Zealand seems to take this view. Labour are stringing you along with a promise here and there,aware that you are unlikely to go back to National because of their track record in the 1990s, and all the time taking you for granted. Towards the end of last year we had the sad spectacle of National’s leader signing up to the current superannuation regime.This means that he too is willing to consign our seniors to greater poverty.This current superannuation regime is both dishonest and unfair. In January 2000, the newly elected Labour government, while restoring the floor to 65%, continued to use unfair statistical data (which National had implemented and which cost superannuatants $21 a week in 1998)) when establishing the net average wage. This was offset in the short term when Labour initially set the rate at 67.4%, but any benefit from this was lost when the rate fell to 65% (and lower) which has happened since 2000. If this situation is not corrected ALL superannuitants will continue to be cheated. At present a married couple are about $30 a week worse off and single about $20. This may not seem like much to the Prime Minister or a television newsreader on $800,000 but the extra money means a lot to many seniors. It is time to send a strong signal to Wellington, that it is no longer good enough to consign our seniors to the ranks of the forgotten. New Zealand First is finishing off policy work on major new initiatives for senior citizens and lifting the rates of superannuation is just one part of these. The full policy will be revealed in April at the Grey Power annual conference.This current government has undertaken one of the most aggressive periods of social reform in living memory. From legalising prostitution, through to gay marriage and banning smoking in bars it has radically changed our social norms.New Zealand is becoming a social laboratory for every social perversion that takes the fancy of those in power. The very threads of our social fabric are under threat. This government is prepared to spending $2 million protecting the rights of illegal immigrants like Ahmed Zaoui but if you are an elderly person waiting for cancer treatment - bad luck! We say hang on - help is on the way! With your help - a party vote for New Zealand First - we will make things happen for you. Rt Hon Winston Peters
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While other parties argue about forming
governments, New Zealand First is preparing to help the “forgotten” people in our policies for the 2005 election.|
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