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The Green Party on Welfare and Superannuation
The Green Party will: “Maintain universal New Zealand Superannuation for all New Zealanders 65 years and older, adjusted annually in accordance with movement in the Consumer Price Index published by the Department of Statistics, and within the constraints that: The rate for a couple cannot fall below 65% of the average ordinary time weekly earnings (after the deduction of standard tax and the earner premium payable on those earnings) as determined by the Department of Statistics; The rate for a couple cannot exceed 72.5 % of the average ordinary time weekly earnings (after the deduction of standard tax and the earner premium payable on those earnings) as determined by the Department of Statistics; the rate for a single person living alone is 65% of the rate for a couple; The rate for a single person not living alone is 60% of that for a couple; and a person who is living alone because his or her partner is in long-term residential care should be considered to be "living alone."
The Greens “acknowledge that for many workers the Kiwisaver scheme is a welcome boost to their retirement and/or housing savings, and for a good number, will mark the first time they have ever been able to even dream of saving towards their retirement or a house deposit. Additionally, the Greens would ensure that there are socially responsible investment options for workers who sign up to the Government's Kiwisaver superannuation scheme.”
The Greens voted against the Cullen Fund's creation, in part because it was "largely invested in the economies of other countries. During this campaign Green Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimons has announced Green economic policy which would require the fund to invest more of its funds in New Zealand. NZPA reported: "The Greens wanted the fund to provide capital for New Zealand businesses, not to build roads which would not yield a return".
The Green Party opposes any work testing of sole parents on the DPB—”in other words, any requirement which forces DPB parents out to work full or part time against their will. We see parenting as valuable and worthwhile work in its own right, and that bringing up kids on your own is tough. While DPB recipients should have full access to help with achieving educational and employment goals through Work and Income, they should not be compelled to enter the paid workforce”.