Proposed Flexible National Superannuation and Allowing Choice Has Some Merits

The proposal to introduce flexibility into national superannuation has some merits but the level of income provided must always be adequate for older people to live on, according to Age Concern New Zealand.

Chief executive Ann Martin says introducing choice was a positive move, allowing people between 60 and 70 years of age choose when they accepted national superannuation.

“However, our concern is that the level of national superannuation must always provide adequate income to cover today’s living costs. Currently, many people on rely on superannuation only and many struggle to live on the $357 per week they get,” she said.

“It can be really difficult for those who get ill and need to go to the doctor at around $50 a visit, or have to replace their fridge at around $1000 or more, or they need to get their leaking roof fixed.

“It’s good to have this proposal concerning National Super on the table because all we seem to hear about is the one to raise eligibility to 67. We would like to hear more from other experts on other options.”

Ms Martin says older people should be able to make choices about the later part of their lives.

“Some may choose to keep working or take the opportunity to move into voluntary work and help make their communities better. But others are worn out by a lifetime of manual work, with declining physicality and health affecting their ability to continue working safely. Some people have shorter life expectancies. They all still have a right to a decent retirement.”

ENDS

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