19 Mar 2014

Retirement age should rise - Commissioner

4:55 pm on 19 March 2014

The Retirement Commissioner is not giving up on her push to raise the age of eligibility for New Zealand Superannuation despite the Government's opposition.

Diane Maxwell told Parliament's social services select committee on Wednesday the age of eligibility should be linked to rising life expectancy.

The Retirement Commissioner is still pushing for the eligibility age to rise.

The Retirement Commissioner is still pushing for the eligibility age to rise. Photo: AFP

After the select committee, Ms Maxwell told reporters the commission's recommendation was based on analysis that confirms people are living longer and are also healthier as they move into their 60s and beyond. She says it's a conversation New Zealanders need to continue to have.

Ms Maxwell says there are, however, questions concerning the lower life expectancy of Maori and Pasifica people.

Howevr, she says that needs to be addressed long before they reach 65 so that all New Zealanders go into retirement in good health.