--- title: "PF070 · Captured AI answers" publisher: "Onsomble Limited" publication: "NZBrands.ai" edition: 3 collected_on: "2026-10-16" html_url: "https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/questions/88b686e7-0c51-45c5-804c-2b07be54e095/" --- # PF070 · Captured AI answers Edition 3 · answers collected 16 October 2026. [Read on NZBrands.ai](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/questions/88b686e7-0c51-45c5-804c-2b07be54e095/) ## Question I'm retired and still rent. NZ Super is my main income, and I am worried about rent increases or needing to move again. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. What do parties propose about affordable healthcare and support to keep living independently? Question ID: 88b686e7-0c51-45c5-804c-2b07be54e095. Report reference: PF070. Issue: Healthcare. Voter: Retiree still renting. [Source record (JSON)](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/3/answers/88b686e7-0c51-45c5-804c-2b07be54e095.json) ## How to read this evidence The answers below are shown as the assistants gave them, not a verified account or NZBrands.ai voting advice. They may contain errors or outdated claims. A recorded source association is not necessarily a link shown to the reader. Captured 16 October 2026. 4 answers were saved for this question. Missing answers have not been filled in. [Study methodology and limitations](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/method.md) ## ChatGPT · asked nationally Answer ID: c7e9622d-4dc3-4214-8394-161d9930c522. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** # New Zealand 2026 election: healthcare, rent and staying independent With NZ Super as your main income and renting in retirement, two questions are especially important: how much of your income will go on essentials, and whether you can afford to stay in a secure home and get healthcare when you need it. New Zealand's general election is scheduled for Saturday 7 November 2026, with advance voting from 26 October. The major parties have different approaches to healthcare costs, housing security and support for older people. Some policies are announced commitments; others are still being developed, so it's worth checking the final policy details before voting. [The main parties vying to form New Zealand's next government](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/main-parties-vying-form-new-zealands-next-government-2026-10-12/)[How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/housing) I'll focus on the issues most relevant to you, rather than trying to rank parties or tell you how to vote. ## 1. Affordable healthcare These are some of the key differences in the parties' published 2026 proposals. | Party | What it proposes on healthcare | What it could mean for your budget | | --- | --- | --- | | Labour | Three free GP visits a year through a proposed Medicard; restore free prescriptions for everyone from July 2027. [Election 2026 and health: promises, priorities and delivery](https://www.nzmj.org.nz/journal/vol-139-no-1643/election-2026-and-health-promises-priorities-and-delivery)[How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) | Potentially lower GP and prescription costs if you use these services. | | Green Party | Move towards free, accessible healthcare, including GP and dental care; remove prescription charges. [2026 Election Policy Summaries](https://apex.org.nz/resources/2026-election-policy-summaries/)[How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) | Could reduce several types of out-of-pocket medical expenses. | | National | Increase funding for medicines, expand cancer screening and strengthen access to treatment. [2026 Election Policy Summaries](https://apex.org.nz/resources/2026-election-policy-summaries/)[How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) | Focuses on improving services and medicine access rather than promising universally free GP visits. | | ACT | Increase the medicines budget and allow pharmacists to manage more common conditions and some ongoing care. [2026 Election Policy Summaries](https://apex.org.nz/resources/2026-election-policy-summaries/) | More subsidised medicines and pharmacy options could help, depending on the services you need. | | New Zealand First | Prioritise better coordination between primary, community and aged care, with aged-care reform as a priority. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) | Relevant to coordinating care as needs change; specific promises about personal costs need checking. | | The Opportunities Party (TOP) | Proposes a 10-year, cross-party health plan, with more primary, preventive and community-based care. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) | Focuses on stable funding and care closer to home over time. | | Te Pāti Māori | Has proposed wider health reforms and improved Māori health outcomes; its detailed position should be checked in its current manifesto. [The main parties vying to form New Zealand's next government](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/main-parties-vying-form-new-zealands-next-government-2026-10-12/)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/health) | The practical effect depends on the specific services and eligibility relevant to you. | These are proposed policies, not guarantees that every service will become free or immediately available. The cost of an appointment is only one issue: getting a timely appointment, access to specialists and the medicines you need also matter. The NZ Medical Journal's election review discusses this distinction. [Election 2026 and health: promises, priorities and delivery](https://www.nzmj.org.nz/journal/vol-139-no-1643/election-2026-and-health-promises-priorities-and-delivery)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/health) ## 2. Housing security and protection from rent increases For someone renting on NZ Super, a rent increase can be more consequential than a change in a tax rate. The main policy difference is between direct protections for tenants and increasing housing supply in the hope that affordability improves. ![4/161 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch City 8061 - Leased Unit - Ray White New Brighton](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/ZkGQe3baBHmzHBoGhF2AkkN9dG7gSWuhHlWtpQ0UuhnMZbNTVtVzUwV-jzy2i03C2LEF6zBIDgGxKRDpC2NFbcfAarRU-fC7pXlw0LOJFJyC-xa2giyV9703A04IjZU-URw7EyQOk0tPAKDCJ-T5XBALdYgKRp6LgVTn8Sqt8OI?purpose=inline) ### Green Party The Greens propose limiting annual rent increases to 2%, expanding public and accessible housing, and establishing an independently enforced Rental Warrant of Fitness. They also propose a state-owned, not-for-profit retirement village system. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/housing)[How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) Relevance to you: The rent limit is a direct proposal aimed at reducing the risk of large increases, while public housing expansion could increase alternatives for people who cannot afford private rents. ![“Hard to fault” Kāinga Ora developments win property industry awards :: Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/Mj6RSnJzfS0bVu_utm-zcQCjNxxcpNI5dp088hhYi8Zhbgknl26_TqSJhgZrpy7V2S-Q7lU_Bc6gEJgwFRIaThcs8n444fINt7M6Ayj7ixDASzTKllzWMFn-yXPdun01_IAC6E6hnTsDwnYwNHkiK7mkAUkySBLFQtAojcjHJi8?purpose=inline) ### Labour Labour's 2026 headline campaign includes lower everyday costs, public services and housing investment. Its senior-specific housing proposals are less developed in the Grey Power comparison than its healthcare proposals. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/)[NZ opposition leader Hipkins says Labour focused on tackling cost of living woes](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/nz-opposition-leader-hipkins-says-labour-focused-tackling-cost-living-woes-2026-09-09/) Relevance to you: Look for further commitments on public housing availability, rental security and assistance with housing costs before assuming there will be a direct change to your rent. ![New homes a “little village” for Henderson :: Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/hp79Pz4nfkIluy_sRN8f-JunjR0YIpvpWiU57CVEBS4HOT6MAB5IMHmLwkb-imItBQkhIuO2ST0ke5qgWqpT4jqmxyfEfDuPcbtWkr0NRqWxGTnd66WWqb7ny-UCU4zzHt0wZlmKlZQfyjq_Lr0nx_RZoXKdBpBwlCvVLmijv4Q?purpose=inline) ### National and ACT National emphasises increasing housing supply through planning and building reforms. Its senior policy response also highlights increased Accommodation Supplement payments, expanded rates rebates and housing reforms. ACT's housing approach places emphasis on making it easier for the market to supply more homes. [Which Party Should I Vote For? Your Guide to the 2026 Election](https://www.salient.org.nz/post/which-party-should-i-vote-for-your-guide-to-the-2026-election)[How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/housing) Relevance to you: These approaches aim to improve affordability through supply and, in National's case, some assistance with housing costs. They are different from a direct cap on annual rent increases. ![Supported Housing :: Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/7NoDnnn9B17p16r74KbvKdPH9lLSo9T08ABAZlDrpP17F14aNwxURhaISqSFUSJMnOhQa2L0u4rmdlHqeKSpmYMzYulfbzOsEE-1Lk0MT_EY2YCPq20mX0cjhtXCUIkx-avKO4qUSoidURuaB9J9_Mqf25NPmlSK_epoogPLiHE?purpose=inline) ### New Zealand First and Te Pāti Māori New Zealand First proposes a Seniors Housing Plan and more options for ageing in place. Te Pāti Māori has highlighted housing and health reforms, though the current detail needs to be checked against its published policies. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/)[The main parties vying to form New Zealand's next government](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/main-parties-vying-form-new-zealands-next-government-2026-10-12/) Relevance to you: Ask whether their plans include affordable, secure rental homes for older people, not only support for homeowners or retirement accommodation. ![A guide to testing your house for mould in New Zealand – The Mould Project](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/NiBpLU3Gb0juy4i0g7g6OBeHdj3S6ZbxzOM_687WCi9dYFnEDDzWtgDOiQmZHYqfZr6OJiJ7fyFv6twcQAhewACBgG-l4veqOJb4MFA1sl_QW0cLmLjpNGcUcRbvBVWu2WVCzIZxrlhWe0C9j_1m_CO1lNVqasuI6jfP8I0wUOA?purpose=inline) ### The Opportunities Party (TOP) TOP proposes more social housing and replacing the Accommodation Supplement with a universal housing payment. Its approach is part of a broader package of tax and income reform. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/)[Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/housing) Relevance to you: The key question is how much you would receive under the proposed payment compared with any assistance you currently get, and whether you would qualify. One important distinction: a proposed limit on rent increases is not the same as a promise that rents will fall. Likewise, building more homes may take time to affect the rent you pay now. [Policies for Party vote - NZ Election 2026](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/housing)[How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) ## 3. Support to keep living independently as you get older This is about more than residential aged care. It can include home help, personal care, transport, accessible housing, community nursing, dementia support and respite for family carers. The parties' proposals differ in how explicitly they address these needs. | Party | Proposals relevant to independent living | | --- | --- | | Green Party | More community-based health services, full implementation of the national dementia action plan over five years, more accessible public homes, and stronger support for older people to live with dignity and autonomy. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/)[Care for our seniors](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/care-for-our-seniors/) | | TOP | A stronger community-based health system and a 10-year health plan, with more emphasis on helping older people remain at home. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) | | New Zealand First | Better coordination between primary, community and aged care, alongside a proposed Seniors Housing Plan and wider aged-care reform. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) | | Labour | Emphasis on more affordable primary healthcare and public services. Its published senior-specific commitments on home support need further checking. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/)[Election 2026 and health: promises, priorities and delivery](https://www.nzmj.org.nz/journal/vol-139-no-1643/election-2026-and-health-promises-priorities-and-delivery) | | National | Emphasis on health-service capacity, more medicines, screening and treatment. Its full senior-care commitments should be checked as the campaign progresses. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/)[2026 Election Policy Summaries](https://apex.org.nz/resources/2026-election-policy-summaries/) | | ACT | Proposes giving pharmacists a wider role in routine and some ongoing healthcare, potentially providing more ways to access care. Its older-person-specific home-support commitments need checking. [2026 Election Policy Summaries](https://apex.org.nz/resources/2026-election-policy-summaries/) | | Te Pāti Māori | Has identified health and housing reform as priorities. Check its current detailed policies for specific commitments on home-based care, disability support and older renters. [The main parties vying to form New Zealand's next government](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/main-parties-vying-form-new-zealands-next-government-2026-10-12/) | The Ministry of Health's Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group published a report in August 2026 calling for substantial reform to a fragmented and underfunded aged-care system. This is useful context when assessing which parties offer concrete plans for care at home, rather than general promises to improve healthcare. [Aged Care Ministerial Advisory Group media release: Major reform needed to secure New Zealand’s aged care future](https://www.health.govt.nz/news/aged-care-ministerial-advisory-group-media-release-major-reform-needed-to-secure-new-zealands-aged) ## 4. What about NZ Super and help with housing costs? The Grey Power comparison of parties' responses, published in September 2026, found that all five responding parties supported universal NZ Super regardless of income or assets. Labour, the Greens, New Zealand First and TOP explicitly committed to retaining the eligibility age at 65. National supported universal Super but had not confirmed the age in its response. ACT was invited but did not complete the questionnaire, and Te Pāti Māori did not respond. [How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) For your circumstances, it is also worth checking: - Accommodation Supplement: whether the party proposes increasing it, changing eligibility or replacing it with another housing payment. - Public housing: whether it will increase the supply of suitable, accessible homes and how older applicants will be supported. - Energy costs: whether there will be help to keep your home warm without sacrificing food or healthcare. - Moving costs and security: whether there are specific measures to improve long-term rental stability for older people. These are worth comparing alongside the headline NZ Super promises, because the amount left after rent and essential bills determines how secure retirement feels. ## 5. Compare the policies yourself These independent election guides provide fuller policy details and can help you check announcements made later in the campaign. ![PartyMap: New Zealand election guide 2026](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/TsB4_b6JJ1xHE2jpl-0N8nRbXangRB9bJyOULA0CTLD1NQ693x-JOnp3SZ2iWpFriByKEjdCmB6zkpqGkLgyqjg1UKfbI7QnYZz1MeXXeA8UOlXzJj5M5AVCLNso5xvJB2U7V4IHT07RkcgsWd2GbXr70eHMzWv10HqKDoZYvQg?purpose=inline) Policy.nz — 2026 election policy comparison Compare the parties' specific policies on health, renting, social housing and seniors. [Compare healthcare policies](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/health) · [Compare housing policies](https://policy.nz/2026/party-vote/policies/housing) ![Our Magazine - Grey Power New Zealand Federation Inc.](https://images.openai.com/static-rsc-4/R3e-dsrapC7H-LME4EJ7cV6WO6Daq40oKexvIQK7WUBNfHFCJ7VQKZuujjsAv9aPUaUX1qZa6jAz6Ew0U6w9P4gUyoMmWvfG6CsT-PmtM_nIgH-BUku7jAujgmnmH3TKaxKCRk2x0xslxMc4VM9Um8DDOjPG6Lnmh6sjS3J0DvI?purpose=inline) Grey Power — How parties stand on issues affecting older New Zealanders A comparison based on questions put directly to parties about Super, healthcare, housing and aged care. [Read the older New Zealanders comparison](https://greypowermag.co.nz/politics/how-parties-stand-on-issues-affecting-older-new-zealanders/) ## A practical way to narrow your decision Based on the issues you've raised, you could compare parties against three questions: 1. Will I be able to afford my rent? Look for specific rent protections, adequate housing assistance and more secure rental options for older people. 2. Will I be able to afford healthcare? Compare GP charges, prescriptions, dental care and access to treatment. 3. Will I be able to stay in my own home? Look for clear commitments to home help, community care, accessible housing and dementia support. One final question, if you're comfortable answering: which is the biggest worry for you right now — rent increases, medical costs, or losing the support that lets you live independently? I can then make a more focused, side-by-side comparison of the relevant party policies without recommending how you should vote. **End captured answer** ## Gemini · asked nationally Answer ID: 20de265d-7c6d-4846-a284-24c183773ac3. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** Navigating retirement while renting on New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) brings valid concerns about cost-of-living pressures, housing security, and healthcare access. Ahead of the 2026 general election, major political parties have outlined distinct approaches to supporting older New Zealanders, particularly regarding affordable healthcare and housing stability. The main proposals and approaches from key parties cluster around several central themes: --- ### 1. Housing Stability and Support for Renters For older adults renting in the private market, housing affordability and the risk of displacement are central issues. Parties have put forward different structural ideas: * **New Zealand First:** Has emphasized a specific focus on older New Zealanders by proposing a dedicated **Seniors Housing Plan** alongside expanded options and infrastructure to better support "ageing in place". * **The Opportunities Party (TOP):** Proposes structural welfare changes by replacing the traditional Accommodation Supplement with a **universal housing payment**, alongside wider backing for social housing development. * **Labour Party:** Focuses heavily on broader cost-of-living relief, public health access, and strengthening state/social housing support structures to alleviate rental stress for low-income households. * **National Party:** Positions its economic strategy around growing the economy, keeping overall housing more affordable through supply-side measures, and managing inflation to protect fixed incomes like NZ Super. --- ### 2. Affordable Healthcare Initiatives Healthcare costs—including GP visits, prescriptions, and specialist care—take up a significant portion of a fixed retirement budget. Parties diverge on how to make care more affordable: * **Labour Party:** Has centered a major pillar of its platform on reducing direct healthcare costs for citizens, including policies targeting **free doctor's visits and free prescriptions**, which directly impacts older demographics managing chronic health needs. * **National Party:** Prioritizes healthcare as a core pillar, focusing its strategy on reducing wait times, boosting health system performance, and expanding clinical capacity within the public health network. * **New Zealand First:** Identifies aged-care reform and **better coordination between primary, community, and aged care** as major priorities, aiming to streamline the health journey as people transition into higher care needs. --- ### 3. Income Security and Cost of Living Because NZ Super is indexed to wages (historically benchmarked against net average wage growth), protecting its value remains a point of broad political consensus, though parties differ on supplementary assistance: * Measures such as adjustments to the Accommodation Supplement and targeted financial support are frequently debated to assist lower-income renters dealing with steep accommodation costs. * Additional practical measures, such as the ongoing provision and enhancements to the SuperGold Card framework (including expanded utility as official identification), continue to be supported to ease daily living expenses. --- As you weigh your vote, what specific aspect of your living situation—such as stability in your current rental or managing ongoing health and prescription costs—is most pressing for you right now? **End captured answer** ## Google AI Mode · asked nationally Answer ID: 8f5e32ee-536d-4244-858c-3d636b8a9e08. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** For the **2026 New Zealand general election** , major political parties outline varying approaches through platforms aggregated by groups like [Grey Power New Zealand](https://www.greypower.co.nz/election-2026) and Policy NZ regarding financial security, housing stability for older renters, and healthcare access. Housing and Independent Living Support for Renters For retirees relying on NZ Super who rent, housing security, accommodation supplements, and tenancy stability are critical concerns. * * **Labour Party:** Focuses on strengthening renter protections, scaling up public and social housing stock to reduce state waitlists, and boosting direct income support mechanisms like the Accommodation Supplement to assist low-income older renters facing escalating market rates. * **National Party:** Emphasizes economic management to curb inflation and broader housing supply initiatives through the Resource Management Act (RMA) reform to moderate rent growth, alongside maintaining core entitlements like the Winter Energy Payment and Superannuation settings. * **Green Party:** Proposes significant increases to state-owned and community-based housing supply, stronger long-term rental market regulations (such as restrictions on no-cause evictions and stabilizing rent increases), and expanding income support to ensure beneficiaries and superannuitants can remain housed. [Policy.nz] * **New Zealand First:** Concentrates heavily on protecting the value and eligibility criteria of New Zealand Superannuation, advocating for senior-specific financial concessions, and supporting regional infrastructure and housing availability for older demographics. * **Opportunities Party (TOP):** Promotes structural tax and housing reforms (such as a land value tax framework) designed to cool property speculation and lower accommodation cost pressures for both buyers and renters over the long term. * Affordable Healthcare and Wellbeing Access to low-cost primary care, prescription medicines, and aged-care support underpins independent living. * * **National / Government Side:** Highlights recent budget allocations directed toward Pharmac funding and cancer treatments, aiming to reduce wait times within Health New Zealand / Te Whatu Ora services, though critics debate the speed of workforce delivery in regional centers. * **Labour / Green / Progressive Parties:** Argue for increased direct investment into public health infrastructure, workforce retention for clinical staff, and expanded free or low-cost access to primary care, mental health services, and subsidized dental care for seniors. * **Grey Power Consensus:** Across the responses submitted to [Grey Power New Zealand](https://www.greypower.co.nz/election-2026), there is a unified acknowledgment from major parties that the escalating cost of living and primary healthcare access require targeted interventions, though they differ on whether to use broad tax-and-spend public delivery or market-led supply incentives. * To help narrow down which party platforms align with your priorities, would you like to explore: * Specific details on **Accommodation Supplement** thresholds or benefit adjustments? * Policies related to **Pharmac and primary healthcare** cost reductions? **End captured answer** ## Google AI Overviews · asked nationally Answer ID: dd4858e5-e4af-4553-a337-6ed2430607e6. Captured 16 October 2026. **Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified** For the **2026 New Zealand general election** , political parties have introduced a range of policies tailored to older New Zealanders who rent and rely on **NZ Super**. Major priorities focus on addressing **housing security, lowering healthcare costs, and boosting home-based support services**. A summary of how the major parties propose to support your ability to live independently and manage health expenses includes: 🏠 Renting and Independent Living Because you rent, finding a secure, affordable home is just as critical as the health care you receive. Parties are approaching senior housing security through different mechanisms: * **National:** Focuses on increasing overall housing supply to keep rents affordable. They have increased the **Rates Rebate Scheme** (up to $800) to help lower overall housing sector pressures and have expanded the **Accommodation Supplement**. National also committed to maintaining the **Winter Energy Payment**. * **Labour:** Is campaigning on building **6,000 additional social housing places** over four years, backed by a $760 million fund for Income-Related Rent Subsidies. For those transitioning into alternative arrangements, Labour has promised a bill to legally force **retirement villages to repay departing residents or estates within three months**. * **Green Party:** Proposes stricter protections for renters, including **capping annual rent increases at 2%**. They want to build thousands of accessible public homes and have proposed a **state-owned, not-for-profit retirement village scheme** to offer an alternative to corporate operators. * **New Zealand First:** Specifically campaigns on a dedicated **Seniors Housing Plan** alongside policies to deliberately expand funding for "ageing in place" solutions so seniors can remain at home longer. * **The Opportunities Party (TOP):** Proposes replacing the current Accommodation Supplement with a **universal housing payment** and introducing interest-free rates deferrals for older homeowners to help free up housing resource pressures. * * * 🩺 Affordable Healthcare Managing healthcare costs on a fixed income is a key focus area across the political spectrum. Party| GP and Prescription Cost Policies| Workforce & Home Support Reforms ---|---|--- **National**| Maintains **free prescriptions** for SuperGold Card holders. Focuses on increasing funding for elective surgeries (45,000 procedures) and adding 66 new medicines.| Aiming to retain staff by recruiting more GPs and nurse practitioners. Expanding 24/7 digital health options to prevent unneeded hospital visits. **Labour**| Introducing a **"Medicard"** which grants **3 free GP visits** annually. Guarantees universal free prescriptions.| Offering a **$4/hour pay rise for care and support workers** to stabilize the workforce. Guarantees jobs for graduate nurses to reduce wait times. **Greens & TOP**| Prioritize shifting funding heavily into localized, **community-based health hubs**.| Heavily emphasize boosting **funding for family carers** and providing practical home-assistance resources to delay the need for rest homes. _Note on NZ Super: Both**National** and **Labour** have entered a cross-party agreement to look long-term at the pension system together, providing certainty that your baseline NZ Super remains protected regardless of who forms the next government. Conversely, the **ACT Party** supports gradually raising the age of entitlement by three months per year._ * * * If you want to look closer at a specific policy, let me know: * Would you like more details on the **Income-Related Rent Subsidy** eligibility? * Should we look closely at how a specific party plans to fund **in-home nursing and care workers**? **End captured answer** ## Publication and corrections Published and funded by Onsomble Limited. NZBrands.ai takes no view on any party or policy. [Independence](https://nzbrands.ai/about/independence/) · [Corrections](https://nzbrands.ai/about/corrections/) · [Contact](https://nzbrands.ai/about/contact/)