The Tauranga & WBOP Grey Power Assn’s Political questions to local Candidates.
At the bottom of this page are links to the party statements as received by us, or you can click on the sub-headings for comparisons for each topic.
National Super – do you agree with the eligibility age being raised to 67? Is 66% of the average net wage any longer sufficient to provide the elderly with enough money to live a respectable life, given the housing situation and the rising number of people having to pay high rents or rates on their properties?
Housing – Much of the focus around housing is justifiability on young people not being able to buy their first home, however there is going to be a significant crisis for the elderly as they retire. Currently approximately 10% of BOP over 65’s rent, but this is estimated to rise to 30% between 2022 and 2030.1 Even now affordable rentals for those dependent on NZ Superannuation/Veteran Pensions are extremely limited in the BOP. How will you push for better housing communities to be built so older people can live in inclusive environments and not be forced into inappropriate rentals situations?
Apprenticeships – training and further education after leaving school – every young person should be working or training or studying. How will you be advocating for these issues?
Education – Do you feel that more needs to be done in schools now to teach pupils additional skills beyond the “3 Rs” to better equip them for a productive life in a rapidly changing employment environment? If so, what changes would you advocate for?
Water – With a focus on developing a sustainable and healthy water supply for future generations, do you feel that it is still acceptable for our water to be given away in large volumes, without charge, to foreign businesses for commercial gain? If so, how would you address this issue?
Health –Are you committed to ensuring that all New Zealanders, regardless of which DHB they reside within, should have equal access to elective surgery when they meet a national threshold for eligibility? If so, how will you ensure that this is implemented?
THE ANSWERS