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New Zealand Superannuation (NZS)

Page updated 2 Oct 2007

New Zealand Superannuation (also known as the pension, National Super or Super) is a benefit paid by the Government to New Zealanders once they reach the qualifying age (currently 64 or 65).

The Government pre-funds a portion of its future New Zealand Superannuation expenses by making contributions to an investment fund - the New Zealand Superannuation Fund (NZS Fund).  The NZS Fund and the Crown entity that manages it (the Guardians of the New Zealand Superannuation Fund) were established by the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001.

For information about the management, operations, investment strategy and performance of the NZS Fund visit its web site: New Zealand Superannuation Fund.

The Treasury's Role

The Treasury's role in relation to New Zealand Superannuation has these main aspects:

  • Preparing the Financial Statements of the Government of New Zealand where:
        • the Government's contribution to the NZS Fund is reported as an expense;
        • the value of the NZS Fund's assets are also reported.
  • calculating the amount the Government will contribute to the NZS Fund using the Treasury's NZS Fund Contribution Rate Model;
  • monitoring the Guardians of the New Zealand Superannuation;
  • administering various provisions of the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001.

Related Information on the Treasury Web Site

  • Treasury Paper: The Market Equity Risk Premium (May 2005) by Brian McCulloch & Dasha Leonova - The New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001 requires the Treasury to state each year the required capital contribution of the New Zealand Government to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund. This paper examines a key assumption made in that calculation – the level of expected long-term premium of return on equity market investments over return on long-term government bonds.
  • Review of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation - The first review was carried out by Jonathan Eriksen in 2004.
  • Unclaimed Money - New Zealand Superannuation - Referral information regarding making a claim to Work and Income for a deceased relative or partner's entitlements to New Zealand Superannuation.
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