Letter published today in The Press

PM Luxon talks about “a credible policy” on superannuation. Why believe him? National has a track record of ignoring recommendations of the Retirement Commission, on both Kiwi Saver and NZ Superannuation, instead adopting one-off, single-issue tools, rarely from a careful review of the evidence and a collaborative approach. Willis and Luxon are silent on the research, never talking about the costs, or un-intended consequences of NZ Super reform. Most offshore commentators view NZ as the smart country in retirement income policy. National and coalition partner Act, track records show a slash and burn approach driven by ideology. Readers should remember Michael Littlewoods comment “ New Zealand needs a research-led review of every aspect of NZS. New Zealand has never done such a review before. NZS is the best Tier 1 scheme in the world but it can undoubtedly be improved” and Martin Hawes “Mess with NZ Super at our peril.