Media Release
17 December 2007
Retirement Income Policy Review identifies new concerns
Diana Crossan, the Retirement Commissioner, has completed the 2007 Retirement Income Policy Review - an independent
assessment of government retirement income policies that is statutorily required every three years.
Ms Crossan said this year’s report (expected to be tabled in Parliament by the Minister of Social Development on
December 17th, 2007 at 4pm) was an opportunity to assess the effectiveness and stability of current retirement income
policy.
The report says New Zealand’s retirement income policy is “working reasonably well for the currently retired and those
approaching retirement”, but to ensure continuity of effective policy this review noted areas requiring both monitoring
and potential adjustment in the future – including the financing of New Zealand Superannuation.
The Review examines the possibility that people may live for a lot longer than current policy planning expects, which
would result in the New Zealand Superannuation scheme costing much more.
“On balance, New Zealand’s retirement income policy has been remarkably successful and is world leading but there are
some unknowns creeping into the environment, some early signals that make us concerned, such as the cost of housing.
Owning a home is a significant contributor to wellbeing in retirement for many Kiwis. The problems are manageable if
dealt with in advance. So the Review recommends a programme of work to get the measure of some of these issues,” Ms
Crossan said.
The Review welcomes the arrival of KiwiSaver, as the 2003 Review had recommended that the Government design a portable
and flexible workplace-based superannuation saving scheme.
It cautions that the final form of KiwiSaver, with its generous incentives, has increased the complexity and cost of
NZ’s retirement income policy.
“The complexity means New Zealanders must learn more about financial matters, and will have an increased need for
information on things like the fees charged by KiwiSaver providers, so people can deal with the financial opportunities
available to them,” Ms Crossan said.
It says KiwiSaver will need continued close monitoring and forecasting to check no groups are missing out on access to
the savings scheme. It will also be important to assess the long term costs to the nation.
For a copy of the report and background papers please go to www.retirement.org.nz.
ENDS