The New Zealand Supergold Card Poem by Terence George Craddock

the vision was a desire
the brainchild of a rare
New Zealand politician
who actually wanted
to help senior citizens

Winston Peters
leader of political party
New Zealand First
introduced a SuperGold Card
to improve the quality of life

of New Zealand's senior citizens
to acknowledge their contribution
to society working before retirement
the SuperGold Card shines as one
of Winston's flagship initiatives

the SuperGold Card
was a condition of the 2005
confidence-and-supply agreement
between the New Zealand First Party
and the Labour Government

Winston Peters launched
the SuperGold Card
in August 2007
to improve lives
of senior citizens

this is always a primary
concern for New Zealand First
the party has taken many
initiatives to improve
the life of senior citizens

New Zealand First established
a research team to design
the SuperGold Card
to include public transport
benefits free off-peak travel

funded by the Government
discounts from businesses
companies across thousands
of discount purchase outlets
Winston fought widespread

opposition to the card
on the grounds of high cost
time passes April 2016
a fly buzzes in ointment
National dirty deeds John Key

a rich flea infesting a dog's
back is key to Government
attempts to erode free travel
for those aged 65 and over
John Key the flea wanted

to change government funding
of the SuperGold card scheme
a change from an individual fare
reimbursement to a bulk funding
model yes dirty Key government

wanted a $28 million funding
cap for the next five years
aside from inflation adjustments
meaning increasing cost charges
Winston Peters defender of age

retired said the Government
is trying to kill Supergold Card
Winston Peters declares to stop
the flea John Key biting dog's
back retired senior citizens

National John Key Government
was out to erode stop the transport
component of Supergold Card
allowing tens and thousands
of senior citizens to connect

with their distant families
in a way they can afford
it changed people's lives
puts people on seats on buses
trains ferries that would

be empty otherwise
in off-peak travel hours
but what was the outcome?
SuperGold Cardholders
can get free off-peak travel

on public transport
in many areas
around New Zealand
in most areas
off-peak is usually 9am

to 3pm and from 6.30pm
to the end of service
on weekdays and free
any time on weekends
free on public holidays

yes Winston Peters
is a rare New Zealand
politician a rare kiwi
bird stopped rich flea
Key infesting a dog's

back a rare victory
in today's world
for senior citizens
for retired workers
for better life quality


Terence George Craddock (Afterglows Echoes Of Starlight)
Copyright © Terence George Craddock