retirement.org.nz

People need to make important choices about their finances throughout their lives to ensure adequate provision for retirement. The retirement policy framework relies upon a mix of private and state funding. Therefore there is a need for information, so that people will have the knowledge to make their financial choices within this environment.

The key underlying assumption used in financial planning for retirement is that current and future governments will continue to support state funding of retirement incomes at a basic level. Successive governments have confirmed this policy stance over many years.

Based on that key assumption, the rationale for the results we seek and the way we do our work, is:

• To have reasonable expectations of receiving total ~~ retirement incomes in excess of the basic level of New Zealand Superannuation, individuals will need additional retirement income from private and non-government sources.
• The quality of life for retired New Zealanders will therefore depend significantly on many decisions they make about their personal finances throughout the course of their lives.
• Individuals have freedom of financial choice, but will make better financial decisions when provided with information and education about financial options, and the implications of various courses of action.

The Retirement Commission provides well-informed and non-directive personal financial education to New Zealanders throughout their lives, and works with other stakeholders to achieve this. We do this in a way that fulfils the Government's expectations of ensuring value for money for New Zealanders and running a focused, efficient and productive organisation.

The main tools that we use to do our job are:

• Communications (online, print and mass media).
• Information and education programmes (online, schools, workplaces).
• Relationships with stakeholders.
• Partnerships with key organisations.
• Liaison with the financial services industry.
• Advice to the Government and its agencies.

The Commission can only achieve its intended results to improve New Zealanders' ability to make sound financial decisions through the commitment of other stakeholders.

Our overall effectiveness will be determined by the quality of our working relationships with the public, business, government and community agencies.

The Retirement Commission also has a role in protecting the interests of residents and intending residents of retirement villages, by monitoring the Retirement Villages Act 2003 and administering the disputes process.

The following diagrams illustrate the linkages from the Commission's high level goals through to its individual outputs and show how we measure our performance.