Bill English National Finance Spokesperson
Thursday 8 December 2000
Super levels can't be guaranteed
A key government advisor has told the Government its super scheme can't guarantee future superannuation levels, National
Finance spokesperson Bill English said today.
"Official papers show the Government's super scheme does not necessarily rule out cuts in New Zealand superannuation in
the future."
Papers released under the Official Information Act include a detailed economic paper by John Lepper, a key economic
advisor to the Government.
"The document sets out analysis more detailed than any Treasury has done, and John Lepper is an acknowledged expert on
this sort of analysis.
"The analysis concludes "thus it is not true that a pre-funding regime will necessarily rule out cuts to NZ Super in the
future".
"Up until now, the Government has maintained the scheme ensures the pension cannot be cut if this scheme is in place.
"The Government has also responded to revelations that the scheme will fund only 14% of future pensions by reducing its
hype over what the scheme will deliver.
"It's good to see more realism from Dr Cullen about the limits of pre-funding," Mr English said.
Ends