Govt urged to include power, doctor visits to SuperGold card

The SuperGold Card. File photo / supplied

New Zealand First is urging the Government to include discounted power and free doctors visits for the elderly into its SuperGold card scheme.

Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew announced today there have been 2000 businesses who have joined the SuperGold car recruitment drive.

"This is a fantastic result which has surpassed my expectations.

"The target I set in May of doubling the size of the programme over the next few years has already been exceeded," said Mrs Goodhew.

There are now over 3,600 participating businesses, representing more than 7,900 outlets nationwide, who are offering discounts to older New Zealanders
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said he was pleased 3,900 new businesses had signed up for the scheme.

He said nearly 600,000 superannuitants are benefiting from free and subsidised goods and services provided by the SuperGold card which was introduced by New Zealand First in 2007.

"Signing up a further 2000 businesses, many of them outside the main centres, over the past two months is good news for the elderly," he said.

"We are calling on the Government to each year provide three free GP visits for SuperGold card holders so illnesses can be detected early and expensive hospital stays avoided."

Mr Peters is also urging the Government to adopt a 10 per cent power discount over the winter months for cardholders.