New Zealand First is going to make KiwiSaver enrolment compulsory at birth and there will be an automatic immediate Crown contribution of $1000 for New Zealand citizens only.

This is a once-per-lifetime investment that compounds for decades.

This will be the start of the nest egg for something that we will call the “KiwiSaver Generation”.

Universal birth enrolment will ensure every child begins their financial life as a KiwiSaver member, with a meaningful balance already growing on their behalf.

This new policy will work in conjunction with our existing campaign policy of compulsory KiwiSaver enrolment for the wider workforce and increasing employee and employer contributions to 8% initially and eventually to 10%.

If the direction of travel is a New Zealand where participation is the default rather than the exception, birth enrolment is the logical starting point.

Establishing membership from day one, normalising savings as a lifelong habit, and ensuring no New Zealander enters adulthood without a savings foundation already in place. This policy removes the enrolment gap entirely for the next generation.