Simon Bridges National MP simonbridges.co.nz

The last month has been action-packed.

In addition to working at Parliament, I've enjoyed shaving heads to raise awareness and money for the Melanoma Foundation, meeting people from Christchurch staying here in the Western Bay at the moment as part of Mayor Crosby and my initiative, Ten Days in Tauranga and visiting great Tauranga businesses such as Energy Options.
My time with Christchurch folk has been truly humbling. Some of their stories really brought home to me the hardship the Canterbury earthquakes have caused.
I also want to draw your attention to the great work Energy Options does with its Curtain Bank. Having opened in December last year, the Curtain Bank has taken in more than 300 sets of reusable curtains for refitting in the homes of families in need. If you have curtains you are finished with drop them in at 23 Roxanne Place, Windermere, any week day during business hours.

Superannuitants
Over the last year, average after-tax wages have risen faster than the cost of living. While this is good news for workers, it is also good for those who have retired.
Superannuation is adjusted when wages increase, to keep payments at 66 per cent of the average wage. Prime Minister John Key has personally committed to maintaining this entitlement for all superannuitants.
These measures, combined with the tax cuts introduced last year, have left superannuitants much better off. Tax reform is an important part of the government's drive to boost economic growth, create jobs and raise incomes. Our income tax cuts have left the vast majority of New Zealanders, including seniors, with more money each week.
In total, superannuation payments have increased by 6.85 per cent in the last year. Since September 2008, the increases have been even larger. The rate for married couples, who are both eligible, has increased by $166 a fortnight or 18.9 per cent. We are committed to fair and universal rates of superannuation.
We also provided a special immediate one-off increase to superannuation payments, to compensate for the October 1, 2010 rise in GST. This increase was permanently built into payments by the annual general adjustment on April 1, 2011.
National is committed to looking after the elderly. They have paid a lifetime of taxes and deserve a break and a fair income in their golden years.

Overseas policy
Since we came into government, we have also revamped the overseas payment policy for superannuitants. This means seniors can live or travel overseas and still receive up to the full rate of their entitlement. Older Kiwis deserve to head off on an OE without being penalised.
There has also been very exciting progress in health care. There are more than 1000 extra nurses and 500 more doctors employed by District Health Boards. All New Zealanders are benefiting from shorter waiting times and better health services.
For seniors, this means more elective operations like hip replacements, cataract removal and ear, nose and throat surgery. About 12,000 more people aged 65 and over received important elective surgeries in 2010. Across the country, 400 more people are getting elective surgery every week since National took office.
National believes in supporting those who need it and increasing incomes and prosperity for all. Despite tough economic times, we have increased spending in the most important areas.