Can I afford to keep the heater on? Can I see a doctor when I need one? Will help be there if I can no longer manage alone?
If I am scammed, mistreated or trapped by an unfair contract, who will stand up for me? These are real questions being asked by older New Zealanders, and we’re not all the same. Some are financially comfortable. Others depend on every dollar of NZ Super and worry about the next power bill, rates increase, rent payment or trip to the doctor. Some have family nearby to help; many do not.
A fair system must recognise those differences and ensure the right support reaches the right people.
Fairness for Seniors (FFS) is a national, non-partisan campaign. We will not tell anyone which party to vote for.
Instead, before the general election on 7 November 2026, we will ask every political party where it stands on the everyday issues that directly affect older New Zealanders.
Our questions will be deliberately simple and direct.
1. How will seniors afford to live?
We want to know how parties will keep retirement income fair and sustainable, help those struggling with everyday costs, and ensure seniors can access secure and affordable housing. This is not only about NZ Super. It is about whether older people can afford food, power, rates, rent, insurance and healthcare without constantly cutting back.
2. How will seniors get the care they deserve when they need it?
That includes being able to see a doctor, receiving reliable support at home, accessing respite and rehabilitation, and knowing appropriate rest-home or dementia care will be available if it becomes necessary. Care delayed can quickly become independence lost.
3. How will vulnerable seniors be protected and treated fairly?
Scams, financial abuse, inaccessible banking, digital-only services, unfair contracts and even delayed retirement-village repayments can cost seniors their savings, security and independence.
When something goes wrong, seniors need somewhere affordable and effective to turn.
We will ask parties to explain what they will do, how they will pay for it and when seniors can expect to see results. We will publish their answers so seniors and their families can compare them and make their own informed decisions.
Fairness is not about giving every senior the same thing. It is about recognising different needs, protecting those who are vulnerable and ensuring every older New Zealander has the opportunity to live with dignity, security and respect. We asked Raewyn Idoine, Campaign Lead and ‘straight shooter’ why she’s vocal about this; ”Because somebody’s got to tell it like it is. Everybody else is hamstrung in not saying what they really think, at the risk of pi—ing somebody else off.”
“Just because someone’s reached a certain age doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Seniors want clear answers to basic questions. We’re all still here. We care about New Zealand. We care about getting old.”
You can read the full set of questions, see what the political parties are telling seniors, and have your say at www.fairnessforseniors.org.nz – and you thought FFS meant something else, right?
