National’s Nicola Willis says politicians need to put aside the “pettiness” and come to the table on superannuation, while leader Christopher Luxon says its a “Kiwi issue”, not an ideological one.
National has confirmed the fiscal plan announced on Monday was the party’s superannuation policy – maintaining its plans to raise the retirement age, but not stating when exactly that would happen.
National has released its fiscal plan, dangling tax cuts for voters, but not until the books are back in surplus – which isn’t forecast until at least 2029.
It has proposed raising the age gradually, and that remains its policy – supported by ACT, but opposed by Labour, Greens and New Zealand First.
It comes at a time when the polls are tight, and raising the age is an unpopular move. An RNZ Reid Research poll from July showed a clear majority of respondents – 58 percent – wanted the age of eligibility to remain at 65.
RNZ poll: Most voters want super age to stay at 65
It also comes after Labour’s Barbara Edmonds and National’s Nicola Willis agreed on Sunday to a cross party discussion on the wider issue of retirement and aged care.
Luxon was pleased with this, but said on Monday it was “unhelpful for parties to come with pre-ordained or predetermined outcomes on that”.
Willis said on Monday she’d been open and up front about gradually increasing the age, but that she doesn’t get to “dance alone” on the issue.
She said she’d invited other parties to the dancefloor, but other politicians were quick to play politics on the issue, referring to this years Budget where warned that any party that ignores the size of the problem is doing so for its own benefit.
Budget 2026: Nicola Willis takes swing at NZ First over superannuation
She said she was open to discussions about what a sustainable future for superannuation looked like.
“If other parties wish to bring specific ideas to the table, then of course, as finance minister, I would consider those in good faith.
“What is needed is for political parties to be honest and upfront about what their proposals are for ensuring that this entitlement can remain consistent into the future.”
Willis said she did think super should be a universal entitlement.
“Every New Zealander at retirement should get New Zealand superannuation. I think together we can work out settings that achieve that. But I’m inviting other political parties to come to the table.”
She committed to discussions within the first 100 days of office.
“We will have to consult on a terms of reference and parties will each have to come to the table in the spirit of finding an enduring solution so that New Zealanders can plan with confidence.”
She said what was required of politicians today was to “put aside the pettiness, come to the table,” and come up with a durable solution with lots of time for people to “plan a good transition that’s fair and keeps superannuation sustainable.”