Single to Beehive, please

Winston Peters. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Winston Peters celebrated his 65th birthday last Sunday - making him eligible for a SuperGold Card.

The cards - one of Peters' pet projects - were introduced in 2007 and give New Zealand seniors freebies, discounts and concessions on everything from public transport to Spookers, a haunted theme park in South Auckland.

Peters, who announced his political comeback this week, said he didn't have one and was reluctant to reveal how he would use it.

Commentators weren't surprised.

"The shame of it would all be too much for him, it's admitting he is old," said Herald on Sunday columnist Matt McCarten.

"Winston still thinks he is a young smoothie - a player. That's why he wants to go back to Parliament, he's not ready to retire."

TV3 political editor Duncan Garner said Peters would be unlikely to take advantage of free public transport.

"He gets driven around by his mate Tommy, so this is not the kind of guy who would sit at the back of the bus or even the front."

Peters this week announced his return from the political wilderness after being dumped from Parliament at the 2008 election.

He told Grey Power's annual conference in Christchurch on Tuesday he would campaign for re-election next year.

Newstalk ZB political editor Barry Soper said Peters should take a card.

"He probably doesn't need one but because he has championed it for so long he will obviously have to take one."

McCarten said the scheme was Peters' nod to his constituency, and his biggest drawcard going into the next election. "He needs to pick up his card and enjoy his retirement. If he wants to work he needs to get a real job."