National party says raising retirement age is off the table

National has confirmed its superannuation policy through a fiscal plan released on Monday. The party maintains its intention to gradually raise the retirement age, though it has not specified a timeline for this change.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated that politicians must "put aside the pettiness, come to the table," to find a durable solution for the entitlement. She has committed to beginning discussions within the first 100 days of office, provided parties participate in good faith.

National leader Christopher Luxon described superannuation as a "Kiwi issue" rather than an ideological one. He noted that it would be unhelpful for parties to approach discussions with predetermined outcomes.

The proposal to raise the age is supported by ACT but faces opposition from Labour, the Greens, and New Zealand First. A July Reid Research poll indicated that 58 percent of respondents preferred the eligibility age to stay at 65.

Where reports differ

• One report claims raising the retirement age is off the table due to a lack of consensus, while another states it remains National's policy.
• Reports disagree on whether tax cuts are included in the fiscal plan, with one stating they are planned once a surplus is reached and another stating there will be no tax cuts in the next term.

Compiled from reports by RNZ and Stuff.