Press Release
Stephen Berry
Kiwisaver

Compulsion or Compulsion? It’s Your Vote!

“Following National’s announcement of their policy to make everyone contribute toward Kiwisaver unless they opt out, it is clear that the only difference between National and Labour is the degree of compulsion they wish to extend over our lives,” says Tamaki Independent candidate Stephen Berry.

National Finance minister Bill English says that he would like to compulsorily enrol all wage and salary earners in the Kiwisaver scheme by 2014 if the Government books have returned to surplus. Berry, while horrified, sees a silver lining. “National has done absolutely nothing that indicates they have any plan to return to surpluses by 2014, if at all. Even a Labour MP could see that their projections for economic growth were too optimistic and this year’s increase in spending too large for a return to surplus in three years to be remotely credible. Therefore there is no possibility of this compulsory superannuation scheme being implemented.”

The Labour party argues that National’s policy is mere ‘tinkering’ and has plans for a much more compulsory system. While they are yet to elaborate on the details, Stephen Berry says that this issue is a sign of the bankruptcy of Government in general and political parties in particular. “Parliamentary parties in New Zealand are in agreement on a lot more than they like to let on. Labour and National both agree that Kiwisaver should exist. National and Labour both believe in compulsion. National and Labour both support compulsory Kiwisaver. New Zealanders aren’t going to find their freedoms being protected by the archaic system of political party democracy.”

Stephen Berry is the only candidate in Tamaki who argues the Government should have no role in retirement savings whatsoever. Berry accepts that National Superannuation is a mere ponzi-scheme that would be illegal were it not the Government’s idea. He also strongly advocates that individuals should choose how they provide, or not provide, for their retirement.

“Politicians are notorious for making a mess of virtually everything their dirty hands touch and retirement savings are no exception. Nobody should have to fear the forced molestation of their savings by the state. I am the only candidate in Tamaki advocating the total voluntarisation of retirement savings and the eventual end of a state funded pension. Voters who value their freedom and personal wealth should consider voting Independent this election.”

Ends

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