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This paper examines a conundrum of retirement income policy. How in an uncertain world can members of a society maintain confidence in the future fairness, stability and sustainability of one of the government’s largest public policy programmes?

July 2011

As the first wave of “Baby Boomers” approach retirement age, interest in their preparatory behaviours continues to grow. Preliminary results from the Health, Work and Retirement study suggest that people’s retirement planning is influenced by a number of factors including their socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, and their perceptions of retirement. For example, those with more negative perceptions were less likely to be thinking about retirement or discussing it with others and were less likely to be making financial provisions for the future.

Source: New Zealand Period Life Tables: 2005‐07. Statistics New Zealand.

Source: Report of the Government Actuary for the year ended 30 June 2008.

Source: Ministry of Social Development, Statistical Report for the year ending June 2008.

Source: Ministry of Social Development, Statistical Report, 2003, 2008.

This is an update of the original report written in 2004. The study provides a summary of New Zealand's retirement  income policies from the late 1800s through to 2008, and an examination of the main issues that have arisen in that time. It describes the main sources of retirement income including public pensions, occupational pensions and private provision.

Every 3 years, the Retirement Commissioner is required under legislation to make a Review of Retirement Income Policy.  This is the summary of the report for 2007.  It contains a brief round-up of the issues and lists the recommendations. Learn about other Retirement Commission Reviews.
 

Every 3 years, the Retirement Commissioner is required under legislation to make a Review of Retirement Income Policy.  This is the report for 2007.  It contains a broad introduction to New Zealand policy and contemporary  issues. 
 

This paper was written as input to the Retirement Commissioner's 2007 Review of Retirement Income Policy.  It covers key issues for women related to retirement income, covering current status, trends, likely future developments, barriers, risks, opportunities, and recommendations.