---
title: "PF063 · Captured AI answers"
publisher: "Onsomble Limited"
publication: "NZBrands.ai"
edition: 3
collected_on: "2026-10-16"
html_url: "https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/questions/de31d72a-81cb-4004-98a2-dad126841500/"
---

# PF063 · Captured AI answers

Edition 3 · answers collected 16 October 2026.

[Read on NZBrands.ai](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/questions/de31d72a-81cb-4004-98a2-dad126841500/)

## Question

I'm retired, own my home and rely mainly on NZ Super. Rates, insurance and power bills are rising in importance for my budget, and I need regular healthcare. I am considering my vote in the 2026 New Zealand general election. What are the parties' current positions on NZ Super eligibility, payments and the retirement age?

Question ID: de31d72a-81cb-4004-98a2-dad126841500. Report reference: PF063.

Issue: Retirement and aged care. Voter: Retired homeowner on NZ Super.

[Source record (JSON)](https://nzbrands.ai/data/nz-election-2026/editions/3/answers/de31d72a-81cb-4004-98a2-dad126841500.json)

## How to read this evidence

The answers below are shown as the assistants gave them, not a verified account or NZBrands.ai voting advice. They may contain errors or outdated claims. A recorded source association is not necessarily a link shown to the reader.

Captured 16 October 2026. 4 answers were saved for this question. Missing answers have not been filled in.

[Study methodology and limitations](https://nzbrands.ai/research/nz-election-2026/editions/3/method.md)

## ChatGPT · asked nationally

Answer ID: 81701820-e6ea-42d6-8fd5-f1cf627bde91. Captured 16 October 2026.

**Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified**

# New Zealand 2026 election: Where the parties stand on NZ Super

For someone who is retired, owns their home and relies mainly on NZ Super, three questions are particularly important when comparing parties ahead of the 2026 New Zealand general election:

- **Eligibility and retirement age:** Will you continue to qualify from age 65, or will the qualifying age rise?
- **Payments and purchasing power:** What do parties propose for NZ Super payments, and how would those payments keep up with living costs?
- **The wider cost of retirement:** What do parties propose on rates, home insurance, electricity and access to healthcare?

I'll focus first on the parties' positions on NZ Super eligibility, payments and retirement age, distinguishing announced policies from proposals that are still under discussion. I'll also explain where a policy could affect your retirement budget without assuming that any one party is the right choice for you.

An important distinction: **a party's current policy, the rules currently in force, and what a party might do if elected are three different things.** Election commitments can also change during a campaign.

## 1. At a glance: the main parties' positions

The following comparison reflects information available as of **16 October 2026**. The election is scheduled for 7 November 2026. Sources include party announcements and a recent comparison of retirement policies. Not every party has published a complete, standalone NZ Super policy. 【turn0news26】【turn0search0】

| Party | Retirement age | NZ Super payments and eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| **National** | Proposes raising the qualifying age. | Has emphasised stronger KiwiSaver savings alongside reform of the retirement system. |
| **Labour** | Has committed to keeping the qualifying age at 65. | Opposes means-testing NZ Super and supports certainty for retirees. |
| **Green Party** | Opposes raising the qualifying age. | Supports universal NZ Super and says payments should adequately cover everyday living costs. |
| **ACT** | Proposes gradually raising the qualifying age to 67 by 2035. | Would allow compassionate early access for people with extensive physically demanding work histories. |
| **New Zealand First** | Opposes raising the qualifying age. | Opposes changes to existing entitlement settings, but proposes restricting eligibility to New Zealand citizens from 2029. |
| **Te Pāti Māori** | Has previously advocated earlier access to NZ Super for Māori. | Argues that earlier access should recognise shorter Māori life expectancy and poorer health outcomes. Its formal 2026 NZ Super policy has not been identified in the sources reviewed. |
| **Opportunity Party (TOP)** | Proposes a broader restructuring of retirement income. | Would replace NZ Super with a Citizen's Income and a supplementary payment, with future changes linked to other retirement income. |

Sources: [Local Matters' 2026 party comparison](https://www.localmatters.co.nz/general_elections_2026/where-the-parties-stand-on-new-zealand-super/), [ACT's fiscal plan](https://www.act.org.nz/fiscalplan), [New Zealand First's policy page](https://www.nzfirst.nz/policy), and [The Spinoff's retirement policy analysis](https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/09-06-2026/what-should-we-do-about-new-zealands-soaring-superannuation-bill). 【turn0search0】【turn0search3】【turn0search2】【turn0news17】

**One important qualification:** a proposal to change the retirement age does not necessarily mean existing NZ Super recipients would lose their payments. The timing, transition arrangements and treatment of people already receiving Super depend on the details of each party's policy.

Let's look at what these differences mean in practice.

## 2. Retirement age: the biggest point of difference

### National: raise the qualifying age

National supports raising the age at which people can begin receiving NZ Super. Its argument centres on the long-term affordability of the retirement system as the population ages.

For someone already retired and receiving NZ Super, the key question is whether a proposed change would affect existing recipients or only people who have not yet reached the qualifying age.

For anyone approaching retirement, the more important questions are:
- What age would apply to your birth year?
- When would the transition begin?
- Would there be exceptions for people unable to continue working?

The precise transition arrangements should be checked against National's latest formal election policy rather than assumed from its general commitment to raising the age. 【turn0news18】【turn0search0】

### Labour: keep the age at 65

Labour has explicitly committed to keeping NZ Super eligibility at 65 and opposes means-testing the pension.

Its stated position gives greater weight to maintaining a predictable retirement entitlement than to changing the qualifying age to reduce future government expenditure. 【turn0search0】【turn0youtube28】

### Green Party: retain the age of 65

The Greens oppose raising the eligibility age and support keeping NZ Super universal.

The party's approach is to maintain access to the pension while addressing the cost of living and other pressures affecting older people. 【turn0search0】【turn0news17】

### ACT: raise the age to 67 by 2035

ACT's published fiscal plan proposes gradually increasing the NZ Super qualifying age to **67 by 2035**.

It also proposes compassionate early access for people who have spent much of their working lives in physically demanding jobs. This is relevant to people whose health or employment history makes working to a later age difficult.

The published policy is available in [ACT's fiscal plan](https://www.act.org.nz/fiscalplan). 【turn0search3】

### New Zealand First: keep the current qualifying age

New Zealand First opposes raising the NZ Super qualifying age and opposes changes to existing entitlement settings.

However, the party has announced a separate proposal that, from 2029, **only New Zealand citizens would be eligible for NZ Super**. That would make citizenship an additional consideration for eligibility. 【turn0search2】【turn0search0】

### Te Pāti Māori: earlier access for Māori

Te Pāti Māori has previously advocated allowing Māori to receive NZ Super approximately seven to ten years earlier than other New Zealanders.

The party's rationale is that Māori have shorter average life expectancy and poorer health outcomes. However, I could not verify a formal 2026 election commitment confirming the exact age or implementation arrangements, so this should be treated as a previously advocated position rather than a confirmed current policy. 【turn0search0】【turn0news17】

### Opportunity Party: change the structure of retirement income

TOP proposes replacing NZ Super with a Citizen's Income and a supplementary payment that would initially bring the total into line with current NZ Super rates.

Its longer-term proposal would allow the supplementary payment to reduce as KiwiSaver balances grow, with the aim of making the system less dependent on universal pension payments.

This is a more fundamental change than simply moving the qualifying age from 65 to 67. The details of how it would protect current retirees would be important to examine before assessing its effect on an existing pension. 【turn0search0】

## 3. NZ Super payments: will parties increase the amount you receive?

This is an important distinction: **keeping the retirement age at 65 does not automatically mean payments will rise faster than living costs.** The amount you receive and the way it is adjusted are separate questions.

### What you receive under the current system

From 1 April 2026, the standard NZ Super rates, after tax at the M rate, are:

| Household situation | Weekly payment | Fortnightly payment |
|---|---:|---:|
| Single, living alone | $555.15 | $1,110.30 |
| Single, sharing accommodation | $512.45 | $1,024.90 |
| Couple, each partner qualifies | $427.04 each | $854.08 each |

These are standard rates, and the amount you actually receive can differ depending on your tax code and circumstances. [Work and Income's official payment tables](https://map.workandincome.govt.nz/map/deskfile/nz-superannuation-and-veterans-pension-tables/new-zealand-superannuation-and-veterans-pension-ra.html) provide the full breakdown. [map.workandincome.govt.nz](https://map.workandincome.govt.nz/map/deskfile/nz-superannuation-and-veterans-pension-tables/new-zealand-superannuation-and-veterans-pension-ra.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

### How annual increases work

NZ Super rates are adjusted each 1 April in line with average wage growth. The current system therefore links the pension to wages rather than simply adjusting it by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). [workandincome.govt.nz](https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/changes-to-benefit-and-payment-rates-from-1-april-2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [workandincome.govt.nz](https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/seniors/superannuation/payment-dates?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

That matters because your household expenses do not necessarily rise at the same rate as average wages.

For example:
- Your electricity bill could increase faster than your NZ Super payment.
- Your home insurance premium could rise substantially at renewal.
- Your council rates could increase even if your income stays relatively stable.
- Healthcare costs, including travel to appointments and prescriptions, can put additional pressure on your budget.

An annual increase in NZ Super does not guarantee that your purchasing power will keep pace with all these costs.

### How the parties compare on payments

**Labour:** Opposes means-testing NZ Super and has committed to retaining the age of eligibility at 65. Its position supports keeping the pension as a predictable entitlement. Its published retirement policy does not, by itself, establish that future increases would exceed the current annual adjustment mechanism. [localmatters.co.nz](https://www.localmatters.co.nz/general_elections_2026/where-the-parties-stand-on-new-zealand-super/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

**The Greens:** Support universal NZ Super and have emphasised making sure the payment is sufficient to cover everyday costs. You would need to examine the party's detailed fiscal and welfare policies to establish the specific changes it would make to pension payments. [localmatters.co.nz](https://www.localmatters.co.nz/general_elections_2026/where-the-parties-stand-on-new-zealand-super/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [greens.org.nz](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

**National:** Has focused on retirement savings reform, including expanding KiwiSaver. Those changes primarily concern how people accumulate savings before retirement; they should not be confused with a commitment to increase the weekly NZ Super payment for existing retirees. [national.org.nz](https://www.national.org.nz/news/260621-national-to-further-boost-kiwis-financia?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

**ACT:** Its fiscal plan focuses on lifting the qualifying age and reducing government expenditure. The plan does not establish that existing retirees would receive a larger weekly NZ Super payment. [act.org.nz](https://www.act.org.nz/fiscalplan?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

**New Zealand First:** Opposes raising the qualifying age and changes to existing entitlement settings. Its proposed citizenship restriction is a separate eligibility question, rather than a proposal to increase the standard weekly payment. [nzfirst.nz](https://www.nzfirst.nz/policy?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

**Te Pāti Māori:** Has previously advocated earlier access for Māori, but I could not verify a specific 2026 commitment to a higher standard payment or a different annual adjustment formula. [localmatters.co.nz](https://www.localmatters.co.nz/general_elections_2026/where-the-parties-stand-on-new-zealand-super/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

**Opportunity Party:** Proposes replacing the existing pension structure with a Citizen's Income and supplementary payment. Its proposal would change how retirement income is organised, with potential future reductions in the supplementary component as other retirement savings grow. The practical effect would depend on the final policy details. [localmatters.co.nz](https://www.localmatters.co.nz/general_elections_2026/where-the-parties-stand-on-new-zealand-super/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

**The key point:** Do not assume that a party promising to protect NZ Super has also promised to increase its real purchasing power. Check whether it has made a specific commitment about the payment amount, annual adjustments or additional financial assistance.

---

## 4. What about rates, insurance, power bills and healthcare?

For a homeowner relying mainly on NZ Super, these issues can be just as important as the pension's headline amount.

They are also areas where the parties' wider policies may matter, even when their NZ Super positions are similar.

| Your concern | What to check in each party's policies |
|---|---|
| Council rates | Whether the party proposes rates relief for eligible older homeowners, changes to local government funding, or measures affecting council spending and revenue. |
| Home insurance | Whether it proposes changes to insurance affordability, natural-disaster funding, building standards or insurance-sector regulation. |
| Electricity | Whether it proposes changes to electricity pricing, competition, generation, network charges or targeted assistance for households struggling with power bills. |
| Healthcare | Whether it commits to improving access to GPs, specialist appointments, prescriptions and public healthcare funding, including services used more frequently by older people. |
| Additional financial support | Whether it proposes changes to the Community Services Card, Disability Allowance, rates rebates or other assistance available to eligible older people. |

These are questions to investigate rather than claims that every party has made a specific commitment in each area.

For example, the Greens' 2026 manifesto includes proposals concerning electricity, home insulation and household energy costs. Labour has emphasised affordable healthcare and living costs. National's 2026 campaign has focused on economic management and expanding KiwiSaver. Those broader approaches may be relevant to your circumstances, but they do not by themselves tell us exactly how much an individual retiree would save. [greens.org.nz](https://www.greens.org.nz/manifesto_2026?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/main-parties-vying-form-new-zealands-next-government-2026-10-12/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

### A useful distinction for homeowners

Because you own your home, policies aimed exclusively at renters may offer you little direct assistance.

You may want to look specifically for:
- A rates rebate or other help with council charges.
- Assistance with essential home maintenance or insulation.
- Measures intended to reduce electricity costs.
- Lower prescription costs and more accessible primary healthcare.
- Support for older people whose income is modest but who own a home.

It is worth checking the eligibility conditions, not just the advertised benefit. Some programmes depend on income, household circumstances, location or the type of expense covered.

You should also distinguish between a policy that reduces a bill directly and one that might lower costs indirectly over several years.

---

## 5. What about the rules in force today?

As of 16 October 2026, the standard qualifying age for NZ Super remains **65**. You must also meet citizenship or residence requirements and the applicable New Zealand residence-duration rules. The required residence period depends on your date of birth and can be between 10 and 20 years, including at least five years from age 50. [workandincome.govt.nz](https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/seniors/superannuation/who-can-get-it?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

The official rules are available here:

- [Who can get NZ Super? — Work and Income](https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/seniors/superannuation/who-can-get-it)
- [Current NZ Super payment rates](https://map.workandincome.govt.nz/map/deskfile/nz-superannuation-and-veterans-pension-tables/new-zealand-superannuation-and-veterans-pension-ra.html)
- [Changes to benefit and payment rates](https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/about-work-and-income/news/changes-to-benefit-and-payment-rates-from-1-april-2026)

These are useful reference points for separating the existing rules from election proposals.

---

## 6. Questions worth asking before you vote

Given your circumstances, I would suggest examining each party's published commitments against five practical questions.

1. **Will my NZ Super entitlement change?** Look for any proposal to raise the qualifying age, introduce means-testing, change residence requirements or alter eligibility for existing recipients.

2. **Will my weekly income keep up with expenses?** Look for specific commitments on NZ Super rates and annual adjustments, rather than relying on general promises to support retirees.

3. **Will I get help with rates and homeownership costs?** Check whether proposed assistance applies to owner-occupiers and whether your income would meet the eligibility requirements.

4. **Will healthcare become easier to access and afford?** Look for concrete commitments on GP availability, specialist waiting times, prescription costs and funding for public health services.

5. **How will the party pay for its proposals?** Consider whether its plans rely on additional taxation, spending reductions, borrowing or changes to other public services. These choices can affect your household through channels beyond NZ Super itself.

The parties' proposals may also change as coalition negotiations take place, so it is worth checking the final policy documents before election day.

### My overall reading

The clearest difference between the parties is their approach to the **qualifying age and the structure of NZ Super**.

- National and ACT support raising the qualifying age.
- Labour, the Greens and New Zealand First oppose raising it.
- Te Pāti Māori has previously advocated earlier access for Māori.
- Opportunity Party proposes a fundamental change to the retirement-income system.

On the payment amount itself, the picture is less straightforward: a party's support for universal NZ Super does not necessarily mean it has promised a larger weekly payment or a different annual adjustment formula.

For a homeowner relying mainly on NZ Super, it is therefore worth comparing both retirement policy and the parties' specific commitments on rates, energy costs and healthcare. Those wider measures could have a substantial effect on your day-to-day budget, even if the standard NZ Super rate remains unchanged.

**One final point:** because you're already retired, distinguish proposals that could affect your existing payments from changes aimed primarily at future retirees. That is particularly important when reading proposals to raise the qualifying age or restructure retirement income.

**End captured answer**

## Gemini · asked nationally

Answer ID: 658c20c4-2475-400c-99ce-e4cb9ee9ca37. Captured 16 October 2026.

**Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified**

For a retired homeowner relying on New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) while navigating cost-of-living pressures like rates, power, insurance, and healthcare, the 20th New Zealand General Election brings distinct choices. 

Political parties hold varied positions regarding the retirement age, eligibility, and payment rates, alongside broader policies affecting household expenses and healthcare.

---

### 1. Parties' Positions on NZ Super Eligibility, Payments, and Retirement Age

*   **New Zealand First (NZF):** 
    *   *Retirement Age & Eligibility:* Firmly committed to keeping the age of eligibility at **65**. 
    *   *Payments:* Strongly supports maintaining NZ Super at no less than **66% of the net average wage**. NZ First places a strong emphasis on protecting retirees from cost-of-living pressures and prioritises aged-care and senior housing reform.
*   **New Zealand Labour Party:** 
    *   *Retirement Age & Eligibility:* Committed to retaining the age of eligibility at **65** and opposes raising it. 
    *   *Payments:* Supports the continuation of current payment indexing (linked to the net average wage). While Labour's finance spokesperson has indicated openness to structured, cross-party talks on long-term retirement sustainability, they maintain that the baseline age and settings should not be abruptly lifted. 
    *   *Healthcare & Cost of Living:* Directly targets healthcare costs with policies such as free doctor's visits and free prescriptions, which are relevant for regular healthcare needs.
*   **Green Party:** 
    *   *Retirement Age & Eligibility:* Opposes raising the age of eligibility, supporting a universal public pension secured at age **65**. 
    *   *Payments:* Focuses on strengthening income support and addressing broader cost-of-living and climate-driven energy/power expenses through targeted income and housing support.
*   **National Party:** 
    *   *Retirement Age & Eligibility:* While National has historically kept the age at 65, its leadership has signaled that future settings will eventually need to adapt to an ageing population. Though National's current official settings keep the age at 65, its finance leadership has engaged in discussions regarding long-term, cross-party frameworks to evaluate future sustainability. 
    *   *Cost of Living & Rates:* National's platform emphasizes economic management, keeping inflation down, and addressing local government rates by pushing councils to refocus on core services to help keep property rates affordable.
*   **ACT Party:** 
    *   *Retirement Age & Eligibility:* Proposes gradually raising the superannuation age by **three months every year** until it reaches a higher threshold (arguing current settings are fiscally unsustainable given demographic shifts). 
    *   *Payments:* Focuses heavily on fiscal restraint, cutting government debt and spending, and altering entitlement structures over time.
*   **The Opportunities Party (TOP):** 
    *   *Retirement Age & Eligibility:* Supports retaining the age of eligibility at **65**. 
    *   *Rates/Housing:* Particularly relevant for a homeowner concerned about local body rates, TOP proposes introducing an **interest-free rates deferral scheme** for older homeowners, allowing retirees to defer council rates against the equity of their home.

---

### 2. Summary Comparison of Key Parties on Superannuation

| Party | Stance on Age 65 | Stance on Super Payments / Indexing | Key Focus Areas for Seniors / Households |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **NZ First** | Retain at 65 | Maintain at 66% of net average wage | Aged-care reform, senior housing, cost of living |
| **Labour** | Retain at 65 | Maintain current indexation | Free healthcare access (doctors/prescriptions), cost-of-living relief |
| **Greens** | Retain at 65 | Protect universal pension adequacy | Public health, energy/power affordability, housing |
| **National** | Retain at 65 (open to long-term cross-party talks) | Maintain current settings while targeting debt reduction | Economic growth, managing local council rates, healthcare delivery |
| **ACT** | Gradually raise by 3 months per year | Restructure for long-term fiscal savings | Reducing government spending, broad tax and regulatory reform |
| **TOP** | Retain at 65 | Maintain standard universal settings | Interest-free rates deferral for older homeowners, housing reform |

---

### 3. Issues Beyond Superannuation to Consider for Your Budget
Given your specific situation as a retired homeowner managing rates, power, insurance, and healthcare:
*   **Rates & Housing:** Parties like TOP specifically pitch mechanisms like rates deferrals, whereas National focuses on pressuring local councils to curb rising rates by sticking to core services.
*   **Healthcare:** If regular healthcare visits are a significant chunk of your budget, parties like Labour have packaged specific cost-relief measures (e.g., free primary visits and prescriptions), while others focus on broader health system restructuring and waitlist reductions.
*   **Power and Insurance:** While direct subsidies vary, broader economic policies addressing inflation, electricity market pricing, and competition directly dictate how heavily utility and house/content insurance bills weigh on a fixed Superannuation income.

**End captured answer**

## Google AI Mode · asked nationally

Answer ID: 7d155289-4c17-4146-a3fa-2820c00e7758. Captured 16 October 2026.

**Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified**

As you weigh your budget pressures—balancing fixed costs like rates, power, and insurance alongside regular healthcare needs—the major political parties hold distinct positions on New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) for the 2026 general election cycle.

The current landscape of party policies regarding the retirement age, eligibility, and payment structures includes:

 * * **National** : Maintains that NZ Super settings need long-term sustainability discussions. While previously open to raising the retirement age in principle, National's recent fiscal plan did not mandate a strict timeline to lift the age. Instead, finance spokesperson Nicola Willis expressed openness to entering a broader, bipartisan cross-party accord with Labour to look at the long-term future of retirement, KiwiSaver, and aged-care settings.

 * **Labour** : Firmly opposes raising the eligibility age, maintaining that NZ Super should remain accessible at 65. Labour's finance spokesperson, Barbara Edmonds, agreed to participate in a cross-party talks framework to discuss the holistic future of retirement security and certainty, but emphasized that keeping the baseline age at 65 is a priority.

 * **ACT** : Proposes a gradual increase to the eligibility age, raising it by three months every year until it reaches 67 by 2035. Their plan includes putting government contributions to the NZ Super Fund temporarily on hold and building in "compassionate access" for people who have worked a substantial portion of their careers in physically demanding jobs. KiwiSaver access would remain at 65.

 * **New Zealand First** : Strongly opposes any increase to the retirement age or cuts to universal settings, fiercely defending NZ Super at 65. NZ First leader Winston Peters has dismissed participation in a cross-party retirement accord as a "sham", pointing to the strength of the NZ Super Fund (Cullen Fund) as proof that New Zealand can continue affording the universal pension.

 * **Green Party** : Opposes lifting the retirement age or altering the universal entitlement framework, advocating instead for broader progressive taxation and income support measures to assist with cost-of-living pressures rather than changing superannuation thresholds. [NZ Herald]

 *

Payments continue to be indexed to movements in the net average wage (guaranteeing married couples receive a floor relative to the average wage), which remains a cornerstone supported by the parties opposing age increases.

If you'd like, I can dive deeper into how specific party policies on **cost-of-living support, rates rebates, or winter energy payments** might impact your household budget.

**End captured answer**

## Google AI Overviews · asked nationally

Answer ID: 7e2ea1d3-87eb-45ca-a690-17fd482d4e1a. Captured 16 October 2026.

**Begin captured answer — shown as given, not verified**

As you look ahead to the **2026 New Zealand general election** , the major political parties hold distinctly different positions on **NZ Super eligibility** , **payment formats** , and the **retirement age**.

While there is a strong cross-party consensus to keep NZ Super as a **universal benefit** (not asset or income-tested for everyday Kiwis), the age of eligibility remains a central debate. Recently, National and Labour announced an intention to form a **cross-party accord** within the first 100 days of the next government to establish a stable, long-term plan for the retirement and aged-care systems.

Party Positions on the Retirement Age & Eligibility

 * **National Party:** National **supports raising the retirement age** gradually to 67. While the party confirmed this objective in its October 2026 fiscal plan, it has not committed to a definitive start date. National prefers to negotiate the final timeline via a collaborative cross-party retirement accord. Politicians can't 'dance alone' on superannuation - Nicola WillisNational and Labour commit to pursuing crossWillis, Edmonds agree to cross-party accord on retirementNational adamant its superannuation stance has not changed
 * **Labour Party:** Labour is committed to **keeping the eligibility age at 65**. While Labour agreed to join the cross-party retirement accord to discuss the long-term sustainability of the sector, they explicitly maintain the position that the retirement age should not be raised. Labour has also indicated an openness to discuss the impacts of means-testing very high-income earners or large asset holders in the future.
 * **ACT Party:** ACT holds the most definitive policy on raising the age. Their October 2026 fiscal plan, _Cut the Waste, Grow the Country_ , pledges to **raise the eligibility age by three months every year** until it reaches 67. ACT's policy includes a "compassionate access" clause for workers who spent a significant portion of their careers in physically demanding jobs. They would also pause government contributions to the NZ Super Fund.
 * **New Zealand First:** NZ First strongly **opposes any increase to the retirement age** , pledging to keep eligibility firmly at 65. They strongly support the universal structure of the pension.
 * **Green Party:** The Greens completely **oppose raising the age of eligibility** beyond 65.
 * **Te Pāti Māori:** The party stands out by advocating for a **lower eligibility age for Māori** to reflect shorter statistical life expectancies.

Party Positions on Payments and Senior Costs

For retirees facing rising rates, insurance, and power bills:

 * **Labour and the Greens** have focused their current platforms on subsidizing everyday retirement strains. Labour advocates for protecting the Winter Energy Payment, expanding free off-peak public transport, and offering free GP visits and prescriptions to lower out-of-pocket healthcare costs. The Greens are also open to altering payment metrics by exploring individualized rates rather than couples' rates.
 * **National and NZ First** are placing heavy emphasis on structural KiwiSaver changes—such as introducing employer/employee contribution increases—to build long-term personal wealth alongside universal superannuation payments.

2026 Election Retirement Policy Summary

Political Party| Position on Eligibility Age| Universal or Means-Tested?| Distinguishing Retirement Policy Focus
---|---|---|---
**National**| **Raise gradually to 67** (Timeline to be decided via cross-party accord)| Universal (No everyday means-testing)| Focuses on a cross-party accord and boosting KiwiSaver with a newborn "Baby Boost".
**Labour**| **Maintain at 65**| Universal (Open to discussing high-wealth testing only)| Focuses on reducing senior living costs via free GP visits, prescriptions, and public transport.
**ACT**| **Raise by 3 months per year to 67**| Universal (With early physical labor exemptions)| Pauses NZ Super Fund contributions to fast-track Crown debt reduction.
**NZ First**| **Maintain at 65**| Universal (Firmly opposes tests)| Advocates for compulsory, high-rate KiwiSaver alongside a protected universal pension.
**Green Party**| **Maintain at 65**| Universal| Open to shifting from couple-based rates to individualized superannuation payment rates.
**Te Pāti Māori**| **Lower age for Māori**| Universal| Opposes employee KiwiSaver contribution hikes; focuses entirely on earlier pension entry for Māori.

If you would like, I can provide more details on **how the proposed cross-party accord might operate** or look into specific party policies regarding **healthcare wait times and elder housing**. What would be most helpful for your planning?

**End captured answer**

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