'Live with dignity': What older Kiwis want from politicians this election

Older Kiwis want to see political parties working together to tackle the cost of living, healthcare, high national debt and the unknown future of superannuation.

Age Concern NZ is calling for more bipartisanship.

CEO Karen Billings-Jensen said the 65-plus age group has a range of political views – issues this election are the high cost of living, healthcare access and the future of superannuation.

She said people are worried the lack of common ground between successive Governments makes it difficult for policy to stick.

“I think it’s probably the big-ticket issues, you know, so housing, income, health, so that there’s not rapid changes in policies and rapid restructures.”

Concerns about healthcare services, waitlists and prevention work are high on the priority list.

“For us we really care about also loneliness and isolation and the impact that has on health.”

Billings-Jensen said it’s a politically active age group with vastly different life experiences, from renters to those living in retirement villages, from urban to rural populations.

Despite this, she said there are common issues “bubbling up”.

“The cost of living seems to be hitting fairly evenly across most groups.”

That includes transport and fuel costs, and how food costs impact nutrition. Superannuation’s unknown future was a significant issue as the older population grows.

According to Age Care NZ, 40% of over-65s rely solely on superannuation.

Superannuation is also Grey Power NZ’s number one election issue.

In a statement, the organisation said there is a conversation to be had whether NZ Super is sufficient to help over-65s “live with dignity”.

Grey Power’s also calling for a fairer accommodation supplement, saying cash-asset limits have not changed since their introduction in 1993.

“For many older New Zealanders, rising housing costs are putting increasing pressure on household budgets.”

According to the Retirement Commission, 20% of people aged over 65 are renters.

“The case for change is clear. Secure housing is an essential part of a secure retirement,” Grey Power said.

Petone’s Bob Scott Retirement Village residents had the chance to voice concerns with the Prime Minister this week, when Christopher Luxon visited.

Dr Colin Fenton and wife Aileen lived in the area for more than 60 years before moving to the village 18 months ago.

Dr Colin Fenton and wife Aileen at the Bob Scott Retirement Village in Petone.

Fenton, who is 99 this month, told the Herald the country’s national debt was a key concern, after Luxon told the crowd he recently wrote a $10 billion cheque for the country’s interest payments.

“I certainly don’t want a great big extra pile of money we have to pay interest on,” said Fenton.

“That’s what’s happened in the past, but that doesn’t get you anywhere.”

The Fentons say they are voting with themselves, their grandchildren and the country in mind.

“That’s really what you vote for, isn’t it? You vote for the future both for yourself and for your families,” another woman agreed.

The economy and national debt were common concerns among residents spoken to by the Herald.

Resident Garry Pallo said getting the economy under control is his biggest priority.

He also supported a four-year parliamentary term.

“It 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.”

Pallo was impressed with Luxon’s answers to the residents.

National Party leader Christopher Luxon speaks to residents at the Bob Scott Retirement Village in Petone. Photo / Grace Symmans

Perhaps the most controversial reaction during the visit came after a resident asked Luxon about changes to the Retirement Villages Act 2003.

The law requires operators to repay residents or their families what they’re entitled to within 12 months of leaving the village.

National would move this to nine months and make it mandatory for operators to pay 10% within four weeks.

Labour would go further, moving the limit to six months and requiring the 10% payment or $50,000 – whichever is less – to be paid within five working days.

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.

“There’s not one person in this room that would benefit from that,” the resident said.

Luxon defended the legislation, saying they cannot interfere with contractual arrangements.

Labour’s changes are retrospective, so would include existing contracts.

Luxon said it’s about striking a balance.

“I 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’ve got it right if you’re both unhappy.”

According to Age Care NZ, only 14% of over-75s live in retirement villages.

Overall, residents were impressed by Luxon’s answers, including the Fentons who felt he explained the legislative difficulties well.

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.

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.

She can be emailed at grace.symmans@nzme.co.nz.