1 Feb 2022

Labour won't raise the age of superannuation - Grant Robertson

6:19 pm on 1 February 2022

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson says Labour is standing by its commitment to not raise the superannuation age, despite the OECD suggesting it should.

Finance Minister Grant Robertson during his press conference after it was announced the country will move to red traffic light settings at the Beehive on 23 January 2022.

Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson Photo: Pool / NZME / Mark Mitchell

In the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD) survey of New Zealand, it suggested raising the age of superannuation as a long term measure to control government spending.

However at today's post-Cabinet briefing, Grant Robertson rejected the OECD's suggestion stating the Labour Party will never increase the superannuation age.

"There's a commitment that we've made, a social contract if you will, with New Zealanders to make sure they have dignity in their retirement and support in their retirement.

"I recognise there is a cost associated with that, but that is the priority decision that we make. As an economy I believe we can afford that."

He could not speak for future Labour governments, he said.

"But for the Labour government that stands here today that commitment has not changed."

He said making it to 65 years can be tough for many New Zealanders, especially those in physically-demanding jobs.

The government was not considering any restructure of superannuation policy, he said.

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