4. R DOUG WOOLERTON (NZ First) Link to this
to the Minister of Finance
Has he received any reports on increases to superannuation coming into effect on 1 April this year?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Minister of Finance) Link to this
Yes. On 1 April a married couple on New Zealand superannuation will receive an additional $20.24 a week after tax, as a result of the agreement between New Zealand First and Labour to increase the rate of superannuation to 66 percent of average weekly earnings.
Does the Minister agree that in addition to delivering an extra $20 per week for married couples on superannuation, the introduction of the SuperGold card in August will improve the livelihood of superannuitants in New Zealand even further?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
Yes, indeed. The SuperGold card will be a mechanism to ensure that New Zealand’s senior citizens are able to access a range of advantageous offers across a broad range of goods and services.
Darren HughesWhat other reports has the Minister seen on the impact of the Government’s steps to guarantee the sustainability of New Zealand superannuation into the future?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
I have seen a report from Standard and Poor’s that states that we are one of the best-prepared nations in the world to deal with the challenges of an ageing population, citing specifically the New Zealand Superannuation Fund. I have also seen a report stating that this fund is “the single biggest disincentive to save that you could ever have.” That quote came from Mr English, implying a desire, presumably, to either raid the fund or lower the level of New Zealand superannuation.