We must also continue to make the politicians of all parties aware that we are concerned
that the current inability of the majority of the elderly to live in dignity
and contribute to the society in which they live has to be rectified.
We accept that there are some wealthy superannuitants but while government publications tend to state
that the elderly are quite well off, our research shows that the reverse is true.
The majority have little else than the New Zealand Superannuation plus about $3000 in the bank
to cater for emergencies or in the end to pay for funeral expenses.
We believe that the elderly will not admit to having any dificulties even
when there is little foood in the cupborad or little warmth in the house
There was an adjustment to the base level from 30% to 32.5% for each partner in a marriage in 2000
but any discretionary spending that may have been available then, has long since disappeared as rates
, electricity costs , transport costs , food costs continue to escalate well above the CPI adjustment.
Increased indirect taxation has substantially worsened the position and the excessive prices for
electricity are being used to subsidise social welfare spending.
The level of New Zealand superannuation is currently due to the supply and confidence agreement
by Labour with New Zealand First , 33.0% of average wage for each partner in a marriage.
This is generally expressed as the married rate of 66% of the average wage which leads
to the interpretation by the public at large,
if they know anything at all about what is paid to a superannuitant, as 66 % to each.
This level is just too low to allow one to live in dignity let alone comfort.
It must be raised to at least 35% of the average wage for each partner in a marriage
and we are pressing the government to so do.
The budgeting of the normal superannuitant household allows for the rates, electricity
and is carefully managed
There should be no need for the elderly to heat only one room in winter and sit with
blankets over the knees until the air temperature is such that the heater is turned on.
On exiting the heated room, they then enter an icy bedroom which does little for the
concept of a richness they bring to our social fabric.
The long over due regulation of the fixed line charge by the then Minister of Energy
Hodgson did not alleviate this situation as it neglected the fact that price per unit
was raised to compensate for the low line charges to the effect that this tariff is
higher than the ordinary one if the consumption exceeds 8000 units.
Regulation of the fixed line charge does little or nothing for most consumers.
It should be a requirement that the retailer advises the consumer that their consumption,
with a figure for their annual consumption, is such that they might be advantaged
by moving to the fixed line charge tariff.
There are currently retailers that offer a fixed line charge but that has failed
because only the fixed line charge is specified and the cost of the power usage is
such that the fixed line charge consumer pays more not less than the consumer
on the ordinary tariff if the demand exceeds 8000 units.
However that aside, what is required is an admission that the commercial model of the SOEs
is not working for consumers and a total regulation of the industry is necessary becaus
electricity is a public good and should be considered by government as such.
The two main parties are not at all sympathetic to the elderly preferring tax cuts
for the higher income earners or subsidies for families which are effectively
tax cuts in another form.
What we require is a highly motivated voting strength that does away with old allegiances
so that our members are united behind , preferably , one of the minor parties
with policies close to our own.
Maybe this is pie in the sky but it is only way to harness the voting
to the advantage of all members.
Members should vote for the candidate of their choice in the electorate seats
but unite with the party vote.
Please consider, although the next election is a long way off yet ,
the above very carefully as unless we get together with some cohesion we will never succeed
and we must be able to demonstrate that we need to be considered.
Right now, you can, as a member contribute by just signing up one member each
to your local association – it may be family , friend , neighbour , enemy
but just someone elderly so that we can use membership figures as an
illustration that we need to be listened to.
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