Grey Power New Zealand is reaffirming its long-standing support for universal New Zealand Superannuation (NZS), following
recent comments from Labour leader Chris Hipkins indicating openness to discussing possible means-testing.
Grey Power National Vice-President David Marshall said, while the organisation welcomes constructive debate about the future
of retirement income, it remains firmly opposed to any move toward means-testing.
“New Zealand Superannuation provides certainty, dignity and independence for older New Zealanders. Undermining that
certainty risks eroding confidence in the entire system for future retirees,” says Mr Marshall.
For four decades, Grey Power has consistently advocated for a universal, non-means-tested system and continues to oppose any
change to that principle. Grey Power also notes that New Zealand’s superannuation model is widely regarded as efficient and effective in providing baseline income security.
“Universal superannuation works because it is clear, fair and predictable,” Marshall says. “It ensures all New Zealanders have a
foundation to live with dignity in later life.”
Over its 40-year history, Grey Power has advocated across a wide range of issues affecting seniors, including healthcare
access, energy affordability, aged care standards, retirement village regulation, rates rebates, and Super Gold Card benefits.
Protecting NZ Super, however, remains central to its work
Labour leader Chris Hipkins says he firmly opposes altering the universal nature of New Zealand Superannuation, officially ruling out means-testing and confirming Labour will not increase the retirement age. He maintains that KiwiSaver should strictly remain a supplementary retirement income, rather than a replacement for, or justification to erode, state superannuation.