Labour's pitch to establish a stand-alone Aged Care Commissioner to investigate elderly issues is being questioned by Tauranga Age Concern.

Labour leader David Cunliffe announced the party's intention at a recent Grey Power AGM in Invercargill – stating the role would oversee elder abuse, neglect and financial mismanagement.

Labour's Bay of Plenty candidate Clare Wilson will meet with senior residents in the coming months to discuss the proposal.

Tauranga Age Concern chairperson Angela Scott believes there is little need for the role to be explored as the national body already holds a contract with the Ministry of Social Development on those issues.

'When it came up our national body Age Concern New Zealand discussed the matter and they put in a representation and submission on it.

'We don't feel there is a need to appoint an outside body because we also hold the contracts for elder abuse and deal with those matters.”

Creating the stand-alone role will use unnecessary money and not be helpful as Age Concern is in an ideal position to handle all the matters that would be handled by the commissioner, says Angela.

Labour's Bay of Plenty candidate Clare Wilson is planning to meet with senior Bay of Plenty residents and hear their views in the coming months.

'This is a bold move by Labour, a brave move – and it fits nicely with my personal priority of ensuring our seniors in the Bay of Plenty are safe, secure and treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve,” says Clare.

'I need our senior community to know, that while Labour is firmly set on a fresh approach to a better future for New Zealand, it doesn't mean for a second we will stand by and watch the foundation of our country be neglected, abused and living in standards well below what they deserve.”

Labour leader David Cunliffe believes New Zealand's elderly are some of the most vulnerable in the society and need a dedicated commissioner who has their very best interests at heart.

'We hear time and time again horrific stories about our elderly being neglected and maltreated,” says David.

'These are our mums, dads and grandparents. They deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.”