Budget Policies - Proposal

Axel C. Mehling, Nacovi

In New Zealand and in Australia pensioners can get discounts (showing their ‘gold card/ pensioner ID) when shopping and spending in/on: supermarkets, foods, beer and wine, car tyres, car supplies, hardware and tools, furniture and household items, whiteware and TVs etc, travel, transport, attractions and hotels.

Typically discounts range from 10 per cent to 20 per cent and there is an “app” (in NZ and AUS) available that shows all participating businesses in the country: e.g. https:// www.supergold.govt.nz/info_for_cardholders/smartphone_app

These schemes create demand and bolster sales and keep shop people in employment; they also help the pensioners and senior citizens. Considering that Fiji has about 150,000 pensioners and people 55+ - this is a considerable economic factor and the government should look into this.

It is also a very strong proposition for all NZ and AUS pensioners visiting Fiji or retiring in Fiji and planning spending their money here.

PS: Ironically the only businesses in Fiji proactively using this strategy and marketing ‘age discounts’ for pensioners (and also for kids) are many of the international fivestar hotels. I would like to respectfully ask the Government to look into this proposal.