Superannuation increases great for region
The recent announcement that Superannuation rates have again increased is great news for our region.
These recent changes, which took effect on 1 April 2014, are positive news for our Superannuants.
This increase is reflective of this Government’s commitment to ensuring that older New Zealanders continue to have access to the security and wellbeing in life that they deserve.
Over the past six years these increases have been consistently maintained. Over this time, all rates of Superannuation have increased by 28 per cent.
This is vital for the Otaki electorate as we have the highest number of people aged over 65 years on a proportional basis in New Zealand.
In hard numbers, the increases have meant that since 2008, the married rate of Super has gone up by nearly $250 a fortnight and the single living alone rate has gone up by over $160 a fortnight. Each increase has been much higher than the rate of inflation.
We understand that as the cost of living increases, measures must be put in place to ensure that older New Zealanders can continue to lead comfortable lives.
Part of this commitment is maintaining the married rate of Superannuation at 66 per cent of the average wage and keeping the age of eligibility at 65 years.
Lastly, a reminder to everyone that it is that time of the year for rates rebates applications.
The Government has increased the rates rebate thresholds for the 2013/2014 rating year.
I encourage all of those who are eligible to take advantage of this opportunity. The maximum rebate available is $595. To find more information and determine if you qualify you can visit
http://www.horowhenua.govt.nz/Living/Rating-Information/Rates-Rebates/
The closing date for applications is 30 June 2014.
These latest announcements reflect the National Government’s focus on building a brighter future for all New Zealanders.
From the diary:
*Cabinet was on Monday
*The House is sitting this week.
*On Saturday I plan to have my running shoes on at the Great Forest Run at Waitarere Beach.