Hon Peter Dunne
MP for Ohariu
Leader of UnitedFuture

5 December 2011

Dunne: Flexi-Super public consultation welcomed

National’s agreement to public consultation on UnitedFuture’s Flexi-Super policy is a major step towards addressing the future shape of superannuation in New Zealand and putting the issue formally on the political table, UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne said today.

Flexi-Super would allow New Zealanders to take superannuation at a reduced rate from 60, through to 65 on the current rate, or enhanced each year you wait up until 70. It would be sustainable through making KiwiSaver compulsory.

“Essentially, it is about giving New Zealanders about when and how they retire and how they want their later years to be lived,” Mr Dunne said.

As part of its confidence and supply agreement with UnitedFuture, National has agreed to issue a Government discussion document to explore Flexi-Super.

“UnitedFuture is very pleased to have put superannuation firmly on the table for a national discussion because it really is an issue that we believe New Zealanders want to discuss and sort out for the long term,” he said.

“We know from the support for this policy on the election trail that New Zealanders want to know much more about it.”

Both National and UnitedFuture have ruled out lifting the basic age of eligibility for superannuation from 65 to 67.

The full National-UnitedFuture Confidence and Supply Agreement can be found at www.unitedfuture.org.nz

ENDS

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