Senior Citizens Minister Jo Goodhew announced that the SuperGold programme now has more than 11,000 business outlets offering discounts to over 630,000 older New Zealanders.
“Surpassing 11,000 business outlets is another milestone for the programme, further increasing the opportunities for cardholders to access discounts across the country,” says Mrs Goodhew.
The latest recruitment campaign has focused on expanding the programme in rural, provincial and city fringe locations, targeting businesses in automotive, grocery, retail, legal services and trade.
“The campaign exceeded all expectations recruiting 800 new SuperGold participating businesses, this means in the last two years the number of participating businesses has more than quadrupled,” Mrs Goodhew says.
“The ongoing growth and success of this programme means that older people can continue to stretch their dollar further by using their SuperGold Card.
“SuperGold Card holders can also do their part in getting more organisations to join up by talking with local business owners who are not already in the scheme and encouraging them to sign on,” says Mrs Goodhew.
The loyalty of businesses to SuperGold Card and the stream of new enterprises backing it with discounts on goods and services is important to New Zealand’s seniors.
New Zealand First’s SuperGold Health Check Bill proposes three free doctor’s visits every year for SuperGold Cardholders.
It is not costly to the taxpayer if these visits lead to early diagnosis and successful treatment and eliminate the need for hospital care.
New Zealand First is pleased that its 2007 ‘baby’, the SuperGold Card, continues to reach new heights of popularity with both users and participating businesses, said New Zealand First Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.
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.