Tauranga City pensioners are spoilt for choice when it comes to discount options with more than a record 1000 Bay of Plenty businesses now offering discounts to SuperGold card holders.

Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew today announced a record 1039 Bay businesses are taking part in the pension scheme – a sizeable leap from 477 two years ago.

The SuperGold card was first launched in August 2007 by NZ First leader Winston Peters to improve the quality of life of New Zealand's senior citizens, acknowledging their contribution to society.

The card, eligible to all Kiwis over the age of 65-years-old, offers discounts on a range of businesses, government concessions - such as free off-peak public transport – and discounted services at local councils.

'The 48,612 Bay of Plenty SuperGold card holders can get discounts at a range of businesses including healthcare, automotive, trades and home and garden,” says Jo.

'The SuperGold card programme is going from strength to strength, and has now surpassed 11,000 business outlets across New Zealand. This means in the last two years the number of participating business has more than quadrupled.”

The minster says SuperGold card holders can also do their bit by encouraging business owners not already in the scheme to sign on.

A list of the businesses offering SuperGold Card discounts in each region can be found at www.supergold.govt.nz/directory or by calling 0800 25 45 65.