Flexi-Super: Not Really Such a Great Idea

Abstract

Flexi-super is a proposal to allow people to begin receiving New Zealand Superannuation (NZS) between the ages of 60 and 70, instead of at age 65 as at present. The intention is that the rate at which NZS was paid commencing at these ages would be adjusted relative to age 65 rates. A discussion document on this topic was issued by the Government late August 2013. This paper is not a direct response to that publication, having been commenced at an earlier stage in the light of some earlier canvassing of the concept. It does not therefore address all the matters raised in the discussion document, but does set out three distinct grounds for not proceeding any further.