Hi bill011.
I have always been convinced that if a person feels like working till old age,good on them but do not expect super from the state.
There are a lot of people burnt out at sixty five because of their occupation so I believe they are entited to super.
To retire from a life time job does not mean that you have given up. It means that you have to look for new interests.

I am 72 and if the urge comes on to find a job, I go and lie down for a while till the feeling passes.

According to its foundation document (Brochure #1), "GreyPower believes NZ Super should be a state, tax funded scheme payable at age 65... and not means tested".
Due to the ageing population even after the Baby Boomer Bulge, it is known and confirmed by the Retirement Commisioner,that our current NZ Super entitlement age will have to be raised, or NZ Super means tested or reduced, or taxes raised.
Now, the latter would be in line with what GreyPower stands for, and if our taxes are raised to resume contributions to the NZ Super Fund under the condition of the extra money to be invested immediately in jobs creative NZ infrastructure (re)construction, productivity and external debt repayments, our NZ Super would remain sustainable and even improvable, and the NZ economy would benefit immensely - and our credit rating would remain high compared to Greece etc.

I like the idea of retirement villages especially for the security and friendships that are available with this kind of living. However, I have already given my children the inheritances as they needed money to get ahead in life, get their own homes and other things. Of course now I do not have anything to buy a licence to occupy and there seem to be very few and far between other options. I really wish there was an option to be able to rent an independent living unit rather than having to buy one. especially as now I am not in the best of health to be able to continue working. Seems such a shame that we are shut out of this great lifestyle because we have supported our families when they needed it.

Hey all, my name is Clair and as far as this wesite is concerned I'm a newborn. I'm posting here first because I'm so interested in the topic of retirement. I'm in the position of retiring early on medical grounds in the next 3 weeks - no preparation for this - I always thought I would be working for the next 10 years, and have always put off the "evil" thought.
I'd love a friend or 2 to help me navigate this website - any takers?

Hello to you all! You all seem so friendly that I feel I can contibute to this forum and ask a question even though I have not yet retired but it won't be long. (I'm new so if I'm in the wrong discussion please tell me.)

My history is that I have contributed to the UK pension scheme (including putting in contributions when I was not working) and continued when I could have "opted out". I have now been living and working in NZ for over twenty years, paying tax as usual. When Kiwisaver came out I joined and paid the top contribution.

But I've now discovered that when I retire my UK pension will be deducted from my NZ pension, not leaving very much. So firstly I'm wondering why I bothered contributing to the UK scheme, secondly I'm wondering whether the Kiwisaver will be deducted from my NZ super too and I'll just be left with the remains of my Kiwisaver.

I'm seriously thinking of not applying for NZ super at all as I'll be better off with my UK pension and Kiwisaver. I know I will have paid extra tax to the govt for nothing but at least I'll be helping somebody else.

Penn.

Hello Claire!

I'm new too ...I don't know my way around either but we could stumble around together and bring each other up-to-date as we go.

You'll be retired by now so I hope you're not finding it too difficult and that your health allows you to do at least some of the things you put off until you had more time.

Take care,

Penn.