Age Concern New Zealand and Member Councils support modernising and simplifying legislation to ensure New Zealand Superannuation and the Veteran’s Pension are fair and equitable, relieve poverty, are simple for both those who administer them and those that receive them, and are sustainable in the long term.
We recognise, as does the Government, the changing demographics of New Zealand’s ageing population. The amazing contribution New Zealanders make throughout their lives in their families/whanāu, workplaces and communities is deserving of acknowledgment and respect. Seniors continue to contribute through paid work and voluntary positions for most of their lives; they significantly contribute to New Zealand’s economy and the wellbeing of those around them.
Age Concern New Zealand and Member Councils are focused on the rights, dignity and wellbeing of all people aged 65 and over. Our advocacy in this instance has an additional focus on those who have limited means and have not had the opportunity to prepare as well for retirement as others may have done, typically through no fault of their own.
We are very pleased that reviewing the age of entitlement and means testing for New Zealand Superannuation and the Veteran’s Pension are out of scope of this review.