An Auckland academic specialising in retirement and other social issues says it is time the government faces the truth about the costs of superannuation.
In a new report the Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income says the age of eligibility for National Superannuation should be gradually moved up as life expectancy increases.
Susan St John from Auckland University's Retirement Policy and Research Centre, says the issue must be faced up to.
"It certainly needs to be discussed, it shouldn't be taken off the agenda.
There are problems when we look at the sustainability over the longer term.
"And if we start talking about it now we can do something early and it won't need to be so drastic."
Susan St John says the costs of National Superannuation is expected to double by 2060 and there are other pressures, such as growing health costs.
