KiwiSaver airborne

Parliament passed the KiwiSaver Bill yesterday by 71 to 48 votes with just the National Party voting against it.

Finance Minister Michael Cullen says the scheme is "an important milestone towards helping hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders secure their financial future."

"I am proud of KiwiSaver. It is a landmark policy which will make a real difference to the retirement dreams of thousands of New Zealanders."

"The National Party was the only party to vote against KiwiSaver. It is sad to see National so divided over the issue of saving that they voted against KiwiSaver despite a number of its members indicating they might change their minds and support the legislation at the third reading.