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Budget 2008: Super Gold

The Labour-led government recognises the contribution of older New Zealanders to our community. Budget 2008 recognises rising costs by providing free off-peak public transport for SuperGold Card holders and increasing the subsidy for hearing aids. Superannuitants will also benefit from the tax cuts announced in the budget.

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Supporting older New Zealanders to live as they chose to live, continues to be a feature of Labour-led government Budgets.

We pledged to scrap the previous government’s cut to New Zealand Superannuation, and pay super at the rate of 65 per cent of the average wage. We did. Now New Zealand Superannuation for a married couple is set at $34 more than it would have been in 1999.

Superannuitants will also benefit from tax cuts in the budget. The tax cuts will mean an increase of $45.88 each fortnight for a married couple and $23.84 for a single person living alone, and more in 2010 and 2011.

Other announcements include:

Budget 2008 provides for free off-peak travel for SuperGold Card holders on all forms of public transport. Buses, trains and ferries are a critical means of getting about for many of our seniors, and this step will ensure that cost will no longer be a barrier for their travel plans.
Hearing aids are also an increasingly necessary item for many seniors as they try to maintain their quality of life. A further $18 million over 4 years will allow a hearing aid to become a realistic option for many.
NZ First has also pledged to work with the government towards power rebates for SuperGold card owners within the next 2 years.

OTHER REGIONS +NORTHERN