Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

SENIOR CITIZENS
Our vision
Labour recognises that older New Zealanders built this county and therefore deserve our
respect. We also recognise and value the skills, knowledge and experience older people
contribute to their families and communities.
In the coming decades, the proportion of older people in the population will increase and
Labour believes they will have an increasingly important role to play in our society. The best
way to own our future is to support older New Zealanders to be fit and able, not only to
contribute to the workforce where they choose to, but importantly to enjoy their well-earned
retirement in good health.
Concerns around aged care health services, elder abuse and cost of living pressures are
really mounting for older New Zealanders. We need a new long-term coordinated national
strategy and action plan that establishes better systems and care across the aged care
sector, as well as greater transparency, accountability and monitoring. Labour will commit to
achieving this.
NZ Super
NZ Super is a vital safety net that provides every New Zealander with a guaranteed
minimum level of income during their retirement. This must be protected for this generation
and the next.
We know that for the great majority of retirees NZ Super is their main source of income.
Research by the Retirement Commissioner shows that for 60 per cent of superannuitants NZ
Super is the only or a very substantial form of income.
Labour will guarantee no changes to the rate of NZ Super. We are committed to
retaining the current rate for a couple of 66 per cent of the average wage.
In order to maintain the rate of NZ Super and also ensure the future viability of the scheme,
other changes are needed. Labour wants to give everyone a secure retirement by making
workplace saving universal, guaranteeing New Zealand Super and setting aside money for
our ageing population. By making these changes now we can ensure that future
generations are able to rely on NZ Super when it comes time for them to retire.
Labour will restart contributions to the Super Fund, starting with $750 million in
2012/13 rising by $750 million a year until we reach the legislated contribution rate in
2015/16.
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