Concerns about healthcare services, waitlists and prevention work are high on the priority list.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor us we really care about also loneliness and isolation and the impact that has on health.\u201d<\/p>\n
Billings-Jensen said it\u2019s a politically active age group with vastly different life experiences, from renters to those living in retirement villages, from urban to rural populations.<\/p>\n
Despite this, she said there are common issues \u201cbubbling up\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe cost of living seems to be hitting fairly evenly across most groups.\u201d<\/p>\n
That includes transport and fuel costs, and how food costs impact nutrition. Superannuation\u2019s unknown future was a significant issue as the older population grows.<\/p>\n
According to Age Care NZ, 40% of over-65s rely solely on superannuation. <\/p>\n
Superannuation is also Grey Power NZ\u2019s number one election issue. <\/p>\n
In a statement, the organisation said there is a conversation to be had whether NZ Super is sufficient to help over-65s \u201clive with dignity\u201d.<\/p>\n
Grey Power\u2019s also calling for a fairer accommodation supplement, saying cash-asset limits have not changed since their introduction in 1993. <\/p>\n
\u201cFor many older New Zealanders, rising housing costs are putting increasing pressure on household budgets.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to the Retirement Commission, 20% of people aged over 65 are renters.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe case for change is clear. Secure housing is an essential part of a secure retirement,\u201d Grey Power said.<\/p>\n
Petone\u2019s Bob Scott Retirement Village residents had the chance to voice concerns with the Prime Minister this week, when Christopher Luxon visited. <\/p>\n
Dr Colin Fenton and wife Aileen lived in the area for more than 60 years before moving to the village 18 months ago. <\/p>\n
Dr Colin Fenton and wife Aileen at the Bob Scott Retirement Village in Petone.<\/p>\n
Fenton, who is 99 this month, told the Herald the country\u2019s national debt was a key concern, after Luxon told the crowd he recently wrote a $10 billion cheque for the country\u2019s interest payments. <\/p>\n
\u201cI certainly don\u2019t want a great big extra pile of money we have to pay interest on,\u201d said Fenton. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what\u2019s happened in the past, but that doesn\u2019t get you anywhere.\u201d <\/p>\n
The Fentons say they are voting with themselves, their grandchildren and the country in mind. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s really what you vote for, isn\u2019t it? You vote for the future both for yourself and for your families,\u201d another woman agreed. <\/p>\n
The economy and national debt were common concerns among residents spoken to by the Herald. <\/p>\n
Resident Garry Pallo said getting the economy under control is his biggest priority. <\/p>\n
He also supported a four-year parliamentary term. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives a better chance to get plans in place because all of the things that will help the country generally tend to be long term and it really is too short a term to get things moving.\u201d <\/p>\n
Pallo was impressed with Luxon\u2019s answers to the residents. <\/p>\n
National Party leader Christopher Luxon speaks to residents at the Bob Scott Retirement Village in Petone. Photo \/ Grace Symmans<\/p>\n
Perhaps the most controversial reaction during the visit came after a resident asked Luxon about changes to the Retirement Villages Act 2003. <\/p>\n
The law requires operators to repay residents or their families what they\u2019re entitled to within 12 months of leaving the village. <\/p>\n
National would move this to nine months and make it mandatory for operators to pay 10% within four weeks. <\/p>\n
Labour would go further, moving the limit to six months and requiring the 10% payment or $50,000 \u2013 whichever is less \u2013 to be paid within five working days. <\/p>\n
The resident and Luxon argued that legislation is not enough to make a difference for current retirees, as it does not cover contracts already signed. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s not one person in this room that would benefit from that,\u201d the resident said. <\/p>\n
Luxon defended the legislation, saying they cannot interfere with contractual arrangements. <\/p>\n
Labour\u2019s changes are retrospective, so would include existing contracts.<\/p>\n
Luxon said it\u2019s about striking a balance. <\/p>\n
\u201cI can easily go to a retirement village industry meeting where the operators come at me hard too, and probably the combination means that maybe we\u2019ve got it right if you\u2019re both unhappy.\u201d <\/p>\n
According to Age Care NZ, only 14% of over-75s live in retirement villages. <\/p>\n
Overall, residents were impressed by Luxon\u2019s answers, including the Fentons who felt he explained the legislative difficulties well.<\/p>\n
Aileen noted the relentless media attention for politicians, especially Luxon, and hoped with five weeks to go until election night he can withstand the pressure.<\/p>\n
Grace Symmans is a Wellington-based reporter who covers news in the capital. Grace joined NZME in 2025 as a producer for Wellington Mornings on Newstalk ZB. <\/p>\n