[Weekly Wrap] KiwiSaver in play; but outcome unclear

KiwiSaver is becoming hot property in this election campaign and the parties on the right are starting to cut Labour's lunch on this one.

Labour can rightly claim it isthe part of KiwiSaver. It was created by former Labour finance minister the late Sir Michael Cullen and the party has always been positive about its development.

On the other side National's track record with KiwiSaver hasn't been that good with cuts such as reducing the member tax credit. Added to that it has also come up with some poorly thought through KiwiSaver policies in recent election. Allowing students to use KiwiSavere to pay for tenancy bonds, is one which comes to mind.

Roll on 2026 and National has totally changed its position on KiwiSaver supporting compulsion, planning to increase contribution rates and outbidding NZ First on the so-called "baby bonus."