Key wins first fight in battle for votes

I've been waiting for the election battle to heat up now the Rugby World Cup is over and yesterday it did.

National and Labour made major announcements - and in my view one emerged a clear victor and the other a loser.

In Tauranga yesterday, Prime Minister John Key revealed children under six will be able to see the doctor for free from June 1 next year.

Mr Key said the initiative was critical for the wellbeing of the nation's youngsters.

This is true. Young children are among our most vulnerable people and deserve free healthcare and I am in favour of anything that improves the care of children.

Things are difficult enough for many parents and this will make life easier for thousands of people across the Western Bay.

I would have thought this has broad support across the community, in particular from parents and those planning on families.

The cynical among us will notice the timing of these types of announcements.

And I have to admit there's a part of me thinking if the Prime Minister believes this move is so important why didn't he do it three years ago?

But he does have to hold back some things I suppose. It's to be expected the Government will dangle these types of carrots leading to polling day.

This is a winning policy.

But I can't say the same for Labour's performance yesterday.

What is Phil Goff and his colleagues thinking?

The Labour leader yesterday launched the party's campaign and says it wants to raise the age of eligibility for superannuation from 65 to 67.

This would be done gradually between 2020 and 2033. Mr Goff says the number of retirees and the cost of keeping them is going to grow hugely and some tough decisions have to be made.

Labour also wants to make KiwiSaver compulsory and hike employer contributions.

As someone who would be affected by Labour's retirement age plan, I strongly disagree with it.

I concede the cost of looking after our ageing population will continue to grow as an issue and somehow we, as a nation, will have to find the money to pay for this.

It is important everyone saves for their retirement, but not everyone can afford to.

But we have to draw the line somewhere and allow people to enjoy their golden years. I think 65's the limit and this move is likely to be unpopular with young and middle-aged people. What next - making people work until they drop dead?

Putting arguments aside, why did Labour, already behind in the polls, choose to launch its campaign with such a negative idea.

Sorry, Mr Goff, this is not a good start.