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International Volunteer Day every 5 December is an opportunity to thank the many New Zealanders who contribute their time and skills to make our communities better places to live, says Community and Voluntary Sector and Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew.

Mrs Goodhew marked International Volunteer Day 2012 by attending the Napier Connects World Café of local leaders, community groups and service providers.

Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew is applauding the continued growth of the SuperGold programme.

“Older people I meet say they’re not only delighted with the savings they’re getting from the scheme but also that more services older people really value are being added, particularly in the health and wellbeing category,” says Mrs Goodhew.

When it was launched the SuperGold Card scheme had 188 businesses with 2,215 outlets. There are now over 4,300 participating businesses, representing more than 8,600 outlets, signed up nationwide.

Shanti Niwas Seniors Centre, Onehunga, Auckland

Namaste, As-Salamu Alaykum, Sat Sri Akal, Kia ora and good morning.

Thank you for inviting me here to join in your celebration of International Day of Older Persons and to launch your elder abuse and neglect prevention programme KHUSHI – Kind Heal Unite Support Humble Inspire.

I understand KHUSHI stands for happiness and that's something we are all entitled to.

The International Day of Older Persons next Monday (1 October) is a chance to consider the benefits our society gains from people living longer, says Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew.

The day, which is dedicated to the celebration of older people throughout New Zealand and the rest of the world, will feature a wide range of events, including intergenerational activities and events focusing on positive ageing.

Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew is welcoming the launch of a new initiative which will help keep older people safe by linking Office for Senior Citizens Volunteer Community Coordinators (VCCs) with Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs).

“This is a fantastic initiative and one that will go a long way to help older people feel safe in their own home and help Police reach out to those who are socially isolated,” says Mrs Goodhew.

“The first VCC to be linked with an NPT is now working on the ground with Police in Naenae.”

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Thank you Michael for your warm welcome. I am delighted to have been asked to address you tonight and to take part in the Work and Life Awards 2012 presentation.

I wish to acknowledge Michael Barnett, Chair EEO Trust, Board members, entrants to the awards, previous winners and distinguished guests.

I would like to congratulate all the entrants to the awards. As employers you have identified that your staff are one of the keys to your business success.

Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew is delighted by a recent SuperGold recruitment drive which has seen 2,000 new businesses join the scheme in the past two months.

“This is a fantastic result that has surpassed my expectations. The target I set in May of doubling the size of the programme over the next few years has already been exceeded,” says Mrs Goodhew.

“There are now over 3,600 participating businesses, representing more than 7,900 outlets nationwide, who are offering discounts to older New Zealanders.”

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

Thank you very much for inviting me here to speak today.  It’s always great to get out and about and see different parts of the country. 

Thank you Angela for your kind introduction and all of you for the warm welcome.  I would also like to acknowledge Chief Executive Mike Tyrer, the Board and staff of Age Concern Tauranga and invited guests.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa.  Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

Thank you for inviting me here today for the unveiling of a brand new piece of artwork to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Papatoetoe’s 150th Anniversary.

Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew is calling for communities to speak out about elder abuse.

Friday 15 June marks the seventh World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

“Today is about raising awareness so that friends, neighbours, family members and professionals all know the signs to look out for,” says Mrs Goodhew.

Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew today announced a new goal to double the number of businesses in the SuperGold scheme to 3,000 by the end of 2014.

“We have seen good progress with 100 new businesses joining the scheme in the last few months and I’m ambitious to see it expand further,” said Mrs Goodhew.

“The ability for cardholders to access discounts when visiting in Australia has been well received. Queensland Rail has also recently come on board offering up to a 15 per cent discount for SuperGold Card holders.”

Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew says the Government’s serious about improving the health care which older people receive at home and in the community.

Today Mrs Goodhew told attendees at the opening of the Better At Home Expo today in Tauranga that changes stemming from a review of services should be in place by July next year.

“My aim is to assist in building a society where older people are included and have access to quality services that maintain and build on their health and wellbeing,” she said.

Thank you for inviting me to dine with you and to speak this evening, it is a pleasure to be back with you on the mainland. 

I’d firstly like to acknowledge Roy and your board members for the work they do for your organisation.  I’d like to also like to thank all of you here representing your communities for the advocacy work you do on behalf of older New Zealanders.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa.  Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.