The youth enjoy many benefits. They are agile, supple, physically fit and able to do all sorts of physical activities. They have smooth unwrinkled skin, toned muscles and strong bones. They lack experience (generally), although they mostly believe that they know everything. And even more.
The less-than-youth among us may have benefits of years of experience and (we think) good judgement and… well… the jury is out on that one.
My less-than-youth status has proven to offer at least one benefit – the New Zealand Supergold Card. On reaching the age of 65, any New Zealand resident can apply for the benefit.
The card gives you access to:
- discounts and offers from a wide range of businesses
- government funded free off-peak public transport concessions
- services and discounts from your local council.
The back of the card indicates whether you have entitlement to New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super), the Veteran’s Pension and/or Community Services Card. Mine is the NZ Super.
One of the obvious immediate benefits which I enjoy is the use of the train to Wellington (or any other station) free of charge. That’s a benefit of $10 or so each way.
Of course, not knowing anyone who has travelled under this benefit, you go to ask the rail ticket office lady how and where your “free” ticket can be arranged.
“No, no worries. You get on the train and when the inspector comes round, you simply flash your card at him!”
Once I’ve flashed using my Supergold Card, I’ll report back on the experience.
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