Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Jeff McEwan
The Retirement Commissioner won't be seeking reappointment and will finish her term early next year.
Jane Wrightson has been at the helm for nearly six years, during which she prompted the first review of the 2003 Retirement Villages Act and championed the compulsory inclusion of financial education in schools.
She also recommended that employer and employee KiwiSaver contributions increase to 4 percent, and that 16 to 17-year-olds be included, which was confirmed in Budget 2025.
Wrightson said it had been a privilege to hold the position.
"I'd like to thank my team, the Ministers I've worked with, and our sector partners and stakeholders that help us to improve the financial futures of New Zealanders so a better retirement can be enjoyed by all."
Wrightson told RNZ the Commission was in good shape to carry on under a new leader, "so I'm very proud of that."
She said the review of the Retirement Villages Act was almost complete and that it was a "major piece of work" for several people.
Beyond this, in terms of carrying on some of the work she had spearheaded, Wrightson said a key part of the role was "consciousness raising."
"People understanding that New Zealand Super and KiwiSaver are interlinked," she said, and one shouldn't be adjusted without the other.
"People understanding there's a more coherent way to think about retirement income then just single issue topics."
She said any conversations around KiwiSaver and Super must ensure fairness is "baked into the system".
If there are any changes to Super, "we need to understand where the harms lie, and what is going to be proposed to address those harms," she said.
Any changes to KiwiSaver must be "principled" changes, Wrightson said.
"The system is there for the people, and so the systemic responses that help New Zealanders the most to have a dignified retirement are the ones that should be the focus."
Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Scott Simpson, acknowledged the work of the Retirement Commissioner.
"I would like to thank Jane Wrightson for her leadership and for the way she's advocated for better financial capability and retirement outcomes for New Zealanders," Simpson said.
Recruitment for the next Retirement Commissioner will begin soon.
Wrightson said the job can also be "great fun" and recommended it.
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