gaye-belle, you are doing a great job and I am certain you will experience the benefits of it, because KiwiSaver is not invested as speculatively as many a "nest egg" in one basket.

But that does not help those who for whatever reason do not save with KiwiSaver, and remember, the NZ Super Fund is not like the Consolidated Fund for Govt. to manage as it likes - and if the NZSF is amended into being Personal Accounts based, the public would have more political and legal power over the management of it than Govt!

The public could have easily influenced govt. that we, through the NZSF, are willing to top up the price for the Crafar Farms and take shares in SOEs, so as to have them reserved for keeping our NZ Super sustainable preferably from age 65 !!! - while helping to overcome budget deficits with this as well.

Those not certain about the reality of these prospects under a universal NZ Super Fund savings regime, should come up with all their evidence and suspicions against it, like say you did, as apparently not trusting govt. to run it properly(?).

Chris21-4,
Sorry mate wrong coast and wrong island. Westcoast of South Island, 7km north of Greymouth. Yes I did do the things you did but seems my age could be possible reason. In process of employment now, it's been slow as though. Seven weeks after being approached for job I got conformation of their acceptance, then two more weeks got a phone interview followed by an hour long interview by two people. Two weeks later still awaiting next interview etc which will lead to police checks etc. So the speed it's going it will be xmas before anythings settled. It seems they ether rush the process or take for ever. Who knows how any work gets done in some businesses. Done volunteer stuff, courses and generally done what WINZ have asked... I live in hope...!!!

Earthy, My ignorance shows, lol. For some reason I was confused with Ruatoria. And yes they can be frustrating when they keep you waiting. But don't give up hope.
I forgot to mention that I am a 68 year old. Legally they can not turn you down on age if your otherwise fit and healthy.

To supplement my super I started mowing lawns and have done well.
When asked what it would cost I say what you think it is worth, several times I tell them that is to much.
And the word seems to get around

Good on you Waimak1. If it wasn't for the band of retired tradesmen on Aged Concerns books, willing to come and do repairs without the huge call out cost, many a pensioner would need to save up before having something fixed.

"crikey , Gaye , Y'd be safer letting "The Hells Angels " or the "Mongrel Mob " look after yer money fer yer "


Now THERE'S an idea Ocker, a new business opportunity for them!
There ya go Earthy - a job with the Mob!

Waimak I too think thats a gr8 idea..

I know having elderly parents its a bane of their lives at times,

worrying about jobs they can no longer do, and Like Joybel says with

the age concern places and ones like yourselves, its a 2 way street,

it keeps you fit and active,, and having a supplement,, and the people

you mow for having a nice looking place ,,

and a Happy Mowerman in the mix

Cheers Kai

Bella, thanx I recon they just to much like the govt, rip you off at a blink.

Hi - 3News is doing a story about Kiwsaver turning 5. As part of the story they'd like to talk to someone who will be eligible to withdraw their money from Kiwisaver (you must have been in the scheme for 5 years and be 65 or older).

The questions won't be tough - they'd ask if you are planning to withdraw money or leave it in. If you are taking money out what do you plan to do with it, etc?

If anyone is keen, please let us know via the Feedback channel on GrownUps. Thanks

Richard - u mean Visitor Feedback or is there another Feedback channel that i have missed?

if you click on "CONNECT " on the left of the bar at top of page , then all discussions show so scroll down and you'll see the "FEEDBACK "one