Helen Clark promises to keep the faith
Two years ago, this country was put through a tiresome debate about compulsory private superannuation.
One useful fact emerged from that debate.
It was that over a lifetime of saving, a significant proportion of people couldn't save enough to be paid the equivalent of New Zealand Superannuation in their old age.
That's why in its wisdom in the 1930s, the first Labour Government introduced social security and the old age pension.
That took away the insecurity and fear of old age. And it committed us all to contributing to the welfare of our older citizens when they could no longer do that for themselves.
That simple move banished poverty in old age.
It took the pressures off families.
And my commitment to you is that Labour will keep faith with families and grandparents and ensure that New Zealand Superannuation is there for today's retired people and for the generations to come.
