The status of KiwiSaver
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- Date published:
3:03 pm, May 27th, 2008 - 34 comments
Categories: national, slippery -
Tags: kiwisaver
Tracy Watkins reports:
“National has been forced into an embarrassing u-turn on KiwiSaver after its industrial relations spokeswoman Kate Wilkinson appeared to put the kibosh on a major component of the scheme. Ms Wilkinson was forced to retract comments made earlier today suggesting National would do away with the compulsory employer contribution.”
On his blog Vernon Small points out:
“It’s a classic case of ‘I’m sorry I’ll say that again’. National DOES approve of compulsory contributions to KiwiSaver schemes. But what a way to announce such a major policy…. in ‘clarifying’ her blunder National has announced what amounted to a $2 billion spending commitment… I guess that’s what happens in a policy vacuum; there are just too many things you can’t say and too many things you might say.”
Someone should tell John Key that there’s been a slip-up. Just three months ago he was hinting at changes:
‘I think it’s important to take a step back on our position on KiwiSaver. We fundamentally support savings schemes, we recognise New Zealand has a savings problem but the question has been in recent times that KiwiSaver doesn’t have a reach across a big enough number of New Zealanders.’ The scheme worked better for high-end wage earners ‘and we think there’s something we can do there. So we are looking at it’
Guess that might not have been an “in-depth” examination then?
Update: Key has said his MPs first statement was wrong but indicated her later statement was right. Key: “We haven’t finalised our KiwiSaver programme yet, but there will be compulsory employer contributions ….at pretty similar levels to what is outlined in the legislation at this point.”
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- Govt gifts renters housing anxiety for Christmas
Today's passing of the Government's Residential Tenancies Amendment Bill–which allows landlords to end tenancies with no reason–ignores the voice of the people and leaves renters in limbo ahead of the festive season. ...1 week ago
- Release: National Party urged to support modern slavery legislation
Labour is urging the Prime Minister to walk the talk and support legislation combating modern slavery. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour has lost confidence in the Speaker
The Speaker of the New Zealand Parliament made an unprecedented decision on the government amendment to the Fast Track Approvals Bill last night. ...2 weeks ago
- One year on, still no progress on new ferries
Today’s announcement from the Government on its plan for new ferries throws more uncertainty on the future of the country’s rail network. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Nicola Willis’ smaller ferries will cost more
After wasting a year, Nicola Willis has delivered a worse deal for the Cook Strait ferries that will end up being more expensive and take longer to arrive. ...2 weeks ago
- Bill to sanction unlawful occupation of Palestine
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick has today launched a Member’s Bill to sanction Israel for its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, as the All Out For Gaza rally reaches Parliament. ...2 weeks ago
- Release: Labour fully supports greyhound racing ban
The Government has done the right thing in moving to ban greyhound racing. ...2 weeks ago
- Greyhound racing industry ban marks new era for animal welfare
After years of advocacy, the Green Party is very happy to hear the Government has listened to our collective voices and announced the closure of the greyhound racing industry, by 1 August 2026. ...2 weeks ago
- Rangatahi voices must be centred in Government’s Relationship and Sexuality Education refresh
In response to a new report from ERO, the Government has acknowledged the urgent need for consistency across the curriculum for Relationship and Sexuality Education (RSE) in schools. ...2 weeks ago
- Govt introduces archaic anti-worker legislation
The Green Party is appalled at the Government introducing legislation that will make it easier to penalise workers fighting for better pay and conditions. ...2 weeks ago
- Winston Peters – Kinleith Mill Speech
Thank you for the invitation to speak with you tonight on behalf of the political party I belong to - which is New Zealand First. As we have heard before this evening the Kinleith Mill is proposing to reduce operations by focusing on pulp and discontinuing “lossmaking paper production”. They say that they are currently consulting on the plan to permanently shut ...2 weeks ago - Swarbrick calls on Auckland Mayor to end delay of revival of St James Theatre
Auckland Central MP, Chlöe Swarbrick, has written to Mayor Wayne Brown requesting he stop the unnecessary delays on St James Theatre’s restoration. ...2 weeks ago
- He Ara Anamata: Greens launch Emissions Reduction Plan
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- Internationally-trained doctors jump at chance to boost health workforce
Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says Health New Zealand will move swiftly to support dozens of internationally-trained doctors already in New Zealand on their journey to employment here, after a tripling of sought-after examination places. “The Medical Council has delivered great news for hardworking overseas doctors who want to contribute ...14 hours ago - PM appoints business leader to APEC Business Advisory Council
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has appointed Sarah Ottrey to the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC). “At my first APEC Summit in Lima, I experienced firsthand the role that ABAC plays in guaranteeing political leaders hear the voice of business,” Mr Luxon says. “New Zealand’s ABAC representatives are very well respected and ...2 days ago
- New intelligence oversight appointments
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced four appointments to New Zealand’s intelligence oversight functions. The Honourable Robert Dobson KC has been appointed Chief Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants, and the Honourable Brendan Brown KC has been appointed as a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. The appointments of Hon Robert Dobson and Hon ...2 days ago
- New housing developments able to progress more quickly
Improvements in the average time it takes to process survey and title applications means housing developments can progress more quickly, Minister for Land Information Chris Penk says. “The government is resolutely focused on improving the building and construction pipeline,” Mr Penk says. “Applications to issue titles and subdivide land are ...2 days ago
- Actions to speed up air travel delivering results
The Government’s measures to reduce airport wait times, and better transparency around flight disruptions is delivering encouraging early results for passengers ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Improving the efficiency of air travel is a priority for the Government to give passengers a smoother, more reliable ...2 days ago
- Ending contracted emergency housing in Rotorua
The Government today announced the intended closure of the Apollo Hotel as Contracted Emergency Housing (CEH) in Rotorua, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says. This follows a 30 per cent reduction in the number of households in CEH in Rotorua since National came into Government. “Our focus is on ending CEH in the Whakarewarewa area starting ...2 days ago
- Vocational education and training decisions support return to regions
The Government will reshape vocational education and training to return decision making to regions and enable greater industry input into work-based learning Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds says. “The redesigned system will better meet the needs of learners, industry, and the economy. It includes re-establishing regional polytechnics that ...3 days ago
- Reducing the environmental impact of synthetic refrigerants
The Government is taking action to better manage synthetic refrigerants and reduce emissions caused by greenhouse gases found in heating and cooling products, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds says. “Regulations will be drafted to support a product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants, Ms. Simmonds says. “Synthetic refrigerants are found in a ...3 days ago
- Ngāruawāhia section of Waikato Expressway back to 4 lanes for Christmas
People travelling on State Highway 1 north of Hamilton will be relieved that remedial works and safety improvements on the Ngāruawāhia section of the Waikato Expressway were finished today, with all lanes now open to traffic, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“I would like to acknowledge the patience of road users ...3 days ago
- Appointments to the ENZ board
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister, Penny Simmonds, has announced a new appointment to the board of Education New Zealand (ENZ). Dr Erik Lithander has been appointed as a new member of the ENZ board for a three-year term until 30 January 2028. “I would like to welcome Dr Erik Lithander to the ...3 days ago
- Government to celebrate Waitangi Day around NZ
The Government will have senior representatives at Waitangi Day events around the country, including at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, but next year Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has chosen to take part in celebrations elsewhere. “It has always been my intention to celebrate Waitangi Day around the country with different ...3 days ago
- More gangs added to Gangs Act list
Two more criminal gangs will be subject to the raft of laws passed by the Coalition Government that give Police more powers to disrupt gang activity, and the intimidation they impose in our communities, Police Minister Mark Mitchell says. Following an Order passed by Cabinet, from 3 February 2025 the ...3 days ago
- Judicial appointment announced
Attorney-General Judith Collins today announced the appointment of Justice Christian Whata as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. Justice Whata’s appointment as a Judge of the Court of Appeal will take effect on 1 August 2025 and fill a vacancy created by the retirement of Hon Justice David Goddard on ...3 days ago
- GDP data highlights importance of growth
The latest economic figures highlight the importance of the steps the Government has taken to restore respect for taxpayers’ money and drive economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Data released today by Stats NZ shows Gross Domestic Product fell 1 per cent in the September quarter. “Treasury and most ...3 days ago
- Strengthening Free Speech in Universities
Tertiary Education and Skills Minister Penny Simmonds and Associate Minister of Education David Seymour today announced legislation changes to strengthen freedom of speech obligations on universities. “Freedom of speech is fundamental to the concept of academic freedom and there is concern that universities seem to be taking a more risk-averse ...4 days ago
- Launch of Emergency Cellular Priority Service
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- Minister reopens Mangamuka Gorge
State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge has officially reopened today, providing a critical link for Northlanders and offering much-needed relief ahead of the busy summer period, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says.“The Mangamuka Gorge is a vital route for Northland, carrying around 1,300 vehicles per day and connecting the Far ...4 days ago
- Funding confirmed for second Ashburton Bridge
The Government has welcomed decisions by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) and Ashburton District Council confirming funding to boost resilience in the Canterbury region, with construction on a second Ashburton Bridge expected to begin in 2026, Transport Minister Simeon Brown says. “Delivering a second Ashburton Bridge to improve resilience and ...4 days ago
- Government boosts support for avian influenza response
The Government is backing the response into high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in Otago, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard says. “Cabinet has approved new funding of $20 million to enable MPI to meet unbudgeted ongoing expenses associated with the H7N6 response including rigorous scientific testing of samples at the enhanced PC3 ...4 days ago
- Levelling the playing field for media advertising
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- Inspector-General of Defence appointed
Today the House agreed to Brendan Horsley being appointed Inspector-General of Defence, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says. “Mr Horsley’s experience will be invaluable in overseeing the establishment of the new office and its support networks. “He is currently Inspector-General of Intelligence and Security, having held that role since June 2020. ...4 days ago
- Fire and Emergency New Zealand final levy rates confirmed
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says the Government has agreed to the final regulations for the levy on insurance contracts that will fund Fire and Emergency New Zealand from July 2026. “Earlier this year the Government agreed to a 2.2 percent increase to the rate of levy. Fire ...4 days ago
- More AML relief on the way for Kiwi businesses
The Government is delivering regulatory relief for New Zealand businesses through changes to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act. “The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Amendment Bill, which was introduced today, is the second Bill – the other being the Statutes Amendment Bill - that ...4 days ago
- Hawke’s Bay Expressway moving at pace
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has welcomed further progress on the Hawke’s Bay Expressway Road of National Significance (RoNS), with the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) Board approving funding for the detailed design of Stage 1, paving the way for main works construction to begin in late 2025.“The Government is moving at ...4 days ago
- Government seeks partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned-land
The Government today released a request for information (RFI) to seeking interest in partnerships to plant trees on Crown-owned land with low farming and conservation value (excluding National Parks) Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced. “Planting trees on Crown-owned land will drive economic growth by creating more forestry jobs in our regions, providing more wood ...4 days ago
- Wide ranging legislation to make justice system more efficient
Court timeliness, access to justice, and improving the quality of existing regulation are the focus of a series of law changes introduced to Parliament today by Associate Minister of Justice Nicole McKee. The three Bills in the Regulatory Systems (Justice) Amendment Bill package each improve a different part of the ...4 days ago
- Diverse skills in community trust appointments
A total of 41 appointments and reappointments have been made to the 12 community trusts around New Zealand that serve their regions, Associate Finance Minister Shane Jones says. “These trusts, and the communities they serve from the Far North to the deep south, will benefit from the rich experience, knowledge, ...4 days ago
- Torture redress for survivors of the Lake Alice Unit
The Government has confirmed how it will provide redress to survivors who were tortured at the Lake Alice Psychiatric Hospital Child and Adolescent Unit (the Lake Alice Unit). “The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care found that many of the 362 children who went through the Lake Alice Unit between 1972 and ...4 days ago
- A busy year in the House
It has been a busy, productive year in the House as the coalition Government works hard to get New Zealand back on track, Leader of the House Chris Bishop says. “This Government promised to rebuild the economy, restore law and order and reduce the cost of living. Our record this ...5 days ago
- Consultation opens on working with engineered stone
“Accelerated silicosis is an emerging occupational disease caused by unsafe work such as engineered stone benchtops. I am running a standalone consultation on engineered stone to understand what the industry is currently doing to manage the risks, and whether further regulatory intervention is needed,” says Workplace Relations and Safety Minister ...5 days ago
- Greater reporting on Treaty settlement commitments
Mehemea he pai mō te tangata, mahia – if it’s good for the people, get on with it. Enhanced reporting on the public sector’s delivery of Treaty settlement commitments will help improve outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders, Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka says. Compiled together for the ...5 days ago
- New appointments to the Charities Registration Board
Mr Roger Holmes Miller and Ms Tarita Hutchinson have been appointed to the Charities Registration Board, Community and Voluntary Sector Minister Louise Upston says. “I would like to welcome the new members joining the Charities Registration Board. “The appointment of Ms Hutchinson and Mr Miller will strengthen the Board’s capacity ...5 days ago
- Building consent processing times improve
More building consent and code compliance applications are being processed within the statutory timeframe since the Government required councils to submit quarterly data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “In the midst of a housing shortage we need to look at every step of the build process for efficiencies ...5 days ago
- Faster access to support through Innovation Fund
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- New Zealand to assist Vanuatu on earthquake response
New Zealand is providing Vanuatu assistance following yesterday's devastating earthquake, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. "Vanuatu is a member of our Pacific family and we are supporting it in this time of acute need," Mr Peters says. "Our thoughts are with the people of Vanuatu, and we will be ...5 days ago
- Government takes steps to reduce card fees for Kiwis
The Government welcomes the Commerce Commission’s plan to reduce card fees for Kiwis by an estimated $260 million a year, Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bayly says.“The Government is relentlessly focused on reducing the cost of living, so Kiwis can keep more of their hard-earned income and live a ...5 days ago
- Review recommends ECE regulation shakeup
Regulation Minister David Seymour has welcomed the Early Childhood Education (ECE) regulatory review report, the first major report from the Ministry for Regulation. The report makes 15 recommendations to modernise and simplify regulations across ECE so services can get on with what they do best – providing safe, high-quality care ...5 days ago
- Offshore Renewable Energy Bill passes first reading
The Government‘s Offshore Renewable Energy Bill to create a new regulatory regime that will enable firms to construct offshore wind generation has passed its first reading in Parliament, Energy Minister Simeon Brown says.“New Zealand currently does not have a regulatory regime for offshore renewable energy as the previous government failed ...5 days ago
- Local Government (Water Services) Bill passes first reading
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Key: “… we recognise New Zealand has a savings problem…”
Interestingly, if you go back to the last election, the National Party finance spokesman (sic) was quoted in the NZ Herald (front page of the Business Section) as saying that he wasn’t worried about the savings rate in NZ. The name of the finance spokesman? You guessed. John Key.
Now he’s backtracked yet again (three flip-flops in as many hours) telling Newsroom “National had not finalised its KiwiSaver programme but there would be compulsory employer contributions, probably at “pretty similar” levels to now.”
Which is it John?
That “National are smart not to release policy” line is looking less persuasive by the day. Is this how they want people to find out?
“Pretty similar”??? “Similar” is vague enough without modifying it with “pretty”! Effectively he’s saying it’s going to be kinda like something that’s kinda like what’s there at the moment.
O-kay…
We’re “sort of” comfortable with national debt at “around” 25%.
Maybe Wilkinson was talking about Australian kiwisaver. Or it was a joke. Or she never said it at all…
Newstalk ZB, TVNZ and the Herald have all got the story now:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10512772
That even puts Tony Ryall’s GP gaffe in the shade. What a cock-up.
600,000 people have signed up for varying reasons (not all eligible to vote mind you), but based on a long term outlook.
He is messing with peoples retirement, and the possibility of alienating a large chunk of those people is only a policy release, or not, away.
I think JK will announce that employers will get a tax credit for all contributions, IMO as they should.
The Nats are looking more and more like The Benny Hill Show every day, particularly the slapstick..
Embaressing indeed. Pity it isn’t National Party policy, why should employers subsidise retirement savings anyway ? Yes,yes I know they can claim contributions back as a tax expense but the way Labour makes itself free with others peoples money is getting tiresome.
Bryan
I was under the impression that employers only got to deduct in the first (1% employer contribution) year then the reduction in business tax 33% to 30% was supposed to compensate for the extra compulsory contribution??
OT
I like the new comment edit function, very pretty…
Kate Wilkinson’s reign of incompetence continues. If I were John Key I’d be removing her from the IR position quicksmart before the election campaign ramps up. In her current position she’s a major liability.
Sorry to linkwhore but I need Cameron Slater to see this (I’ll probably be putting it in a few other places) –
http://newzblog.wordpress.com/2008/05/27/two-can-play/
Funny thing is she actually mucked up twice in a row.
First, she announces that National is against complusory contributions when her National party line sheet said “we will be announcing our policy on [insert policy here] closer to the election”
Second, she retracted the first remark but, rather than replace it with the National line sheet answer as the leadership would expect her to, she said National would be keeping the contributions.
Gobsmacked: “Newstalk ZB, TVNZ and the Herald have all got the story now…”
Ah, but nothing over at NZ’s busiest political blog. hehehe
hmmmmm tasty or edam?????
*hides from SP*
On National Radio, Key said her statement was “a mistake”.
And you could tell from the tone of his voice he was very unhappy, no shrugs of indifference today..
captcha; excess gov
well if the next poll (I hate those things regadless which way it is pointing)shows an increase to the cheese party then sorry, majority of Kiwis are thick
then sorry, majority of Kiwis are thick
Maybe they are just don’t/can’t filter out the noise that is media reporting.
Ooooh, brad and angelina have bought a castle, look….
How many policies have they released? Health, and Ryall announced increased doctors fees and the free market? Kiwisaver, and they stuff that up? Tax, … we are not sure now Cullen has stolen our thunder?
No wonder there are no policies…. they don’t know what to say. Who would vote for this lot!
I’m wondering if National’s failure to release policy of any kind is now starting to hurt them, especially now that the media is finally picking up on it.
The people of NZ are going to start filling the blanks for them.
Is this starting to backfire for National, or not yet?
While watching Oral Questions today, I noted Maryan Street did herself and Labour no favours by dismissing the $65K price tag to the Housing Corp meet at the Tongariro Lodge, by saying that if this was redistributed as tax cuts it would be insignificant.
Obviously she is technically correct, but if that is her attitude to $65K, where do you draw the line… $100K, $1mil?
And I’m confused as to why they need to meet at the Tongariro Lodge ‘luxury’ retreat to discuss strategy and policies. No matter how you spin it I don’t see it being a good look for Labour.
I don’t think the government is responsible for the HNZ fiasco, but they certainly shouldn’t be defending it. The proper course of action here is to crack down on the bastards like they would’ve in ’99.
Also: can someone post a graph of amount of savings with time of a typical kiwi that would be lost if National cap Employer contributions at 1% compared to moving to 4% as per Labour’s plan?
I like National’s excuse for this one. Their industrial relations spokeswoman isn’t told what their industrial relations policies are.
I wonder if John ‘danger Will Robinson danger’ Key knows?
“Interestingly, if you go back to the last election, the National Party finance spokesman (sic) was quoted in the NZ Herald (front page of the Business Section) as saying that he wasn’t worried about the savings rate in NZ. The name of the finance spokesman? You guessed. John Key.”
Interestingly, if you go back a few years, Clark went on record as saying she didn’t want to see a ban on smacking as law. “I think you’re trying to defy human nature”, she said.
In my case, the jury is out on the anti smacking debate, but I do wonder where you guys get the idea Key is the flip flop master when Clark has so many utter clangers to call her own.
Maybe they are just don’t/can’t filter out the noise that is media reporting.
Think your right there
haha there is that “awareness” again 🙂
Quoth,
I got the impression that it was so double super secret that those on the outer rim (2nd tier, all except murray, john and bil) of the Nats know nothing, have been told to STFU! But wilkinson didn’t get the email..
It was a complete clanger, 1 gazillion times worse than Goff.
The idea that the nats have a secret agenda will bubble forth (Their industrial relations spokeswoman isn’t told what their industrial relations policies are, this breeds suspicion amongst the press)if they do not shut this down and get all team members on message, cause who are the reporters suposed to ask if not the spokes person for that particular policy area. I get the impression that the inner circle of nats have it all mapped out, they just don’t trust the foot soldiers yet, this is starting to breed suspicion in the press and once the press gallery are bored or smell blood, the honeymoon is over..
For a government in waiting the media management has been piss poor. Lets be real, they have a sweet ride and they are still f%^&^%ng it up left right and centre. If JK was running a business they would have been on fair go and target.
national feeds off uncertainty and kiwisaver is anathema to them because it offers security to wage earners.
Colin Espiner (Press) is pretty scathing on his blog:
“Signing up to yet another big-ticket Labour spending policy is bad enough. Being forced into announcing it because of a slip-up by one of its own MPs is amateur hour stuff. … Too many slip-ups like today and the public might start wondering whether National is really ready to run the country after all.”
Employers can wangle their way out of making the employer contribution to Kiwisaver by taking it out of your wages with your agreement. They reduce your salary by the relevant amount. This article in the Herald explains how employers can make you pay their share….legally.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/11/story.cfm?c_id=11&objectid=10512387
gobsmacked: Espiner’s description of the existing policy is also revealing: “yet another big-ticket Labour spending policy”
andy: If the “inner circle:” of the nats have it all mapped out, who the hell is making policy in that party? Certainly not the members or even those elected.
Steve W: They can if you’re on an individual agreement (well they can do anything) but at unionised sites that have collective in place it’s a lot harder for employers to get away with that kind of behaviour. That’s not to say they don’t try though.