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KiwiSaver 2.0: Why increasing contributions is only the first step

24/11/2025

Luxon’s 12.5% proposal marks a turning point for KiwiSaver, but contribution increases alone won’t future-proof our retirement system. Real progress will come from thoughtful reforms that make saving fairer and more sustainable.

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Recent updates

Budget 2025: Changes ahead for KiwiSaver

Published 22/05/2025

KiwiSaver is getting a shake-up - including higher contribution rates, reduced government incentives, and expanded access for younger members. Shamubeel explains what’s changing and how to prepare.

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Job losses find a floor, but recovery yet to begin

Published 07/05/2025

Latest employment data shows signs of stabilisation, it’s good to see a floor forming in job losses. But it’s not all plain sailing: the share of Kiwis in work has returned to pre-pandemic levels.

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OCR cut is a good start, but NZ must do more

Published 09/04/2025

The Reserve Bank has cut the OCR to 3.5%, but more action is needed. With the risks to the global economy rising, NZ must act decisively to protect jobs, growth, and stability.

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Liberation Day - What the latest US tariffs mean for NZ

Published 03/04/2025

USA ‘Liberation Day’ tariffs have been announced - which may or may not be changed or reversed as negotiating chips. Shamubeel Eaqub's back-of-the-envelope calculations show that this adds up to a 26.5% increase in US import costs. But what does...

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Navigating uncertainty - what market volatility means for you

Published 06/03/2025

Equity markets are finally reflecting increased political and policy uncertainty from a Trump government in the US. Kiwis will likely see this reflected in their KiwiSaver balances, but while volatility can be unsettling, focusing on long-term savings is key.

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The OCR cut: Ongoing risks and reasons for optimism

Published 19/02/2025

The Reserve Bank New Zealand (RBNZ) reduced the official cash rate (OCR) by 0.5% points to 3.75%. The lowest since late 2022. This is good news – it will spur economic recovery through the middle of the year.

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First salvos fired in new trade war

Published 03/02/2025

The US has imposed major tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, triggering global economic uncertainty. The latest commentary from the Simplicity Research Hub explores how these trade policies could impact New Zealand—through currency fluctuations, interest rate changes, and weakened exports.

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Simplicity Research Hub headed by Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub

Published 19/12/2024

Simplicity has hired Shamubeel Eaqub as Chief Economist, alongside policy researcher Rosie Collins to head the new Research Hub. They'll focus on areas of economics and policy of interest to Simplicity including KiwiSaver, housing, infrastructure and capital markets.

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Some industries are hurting more than others in this recession

Published 02/12/2024

Business stress in New Zealand is at its highest levels since the Global Financial Crisis, with record numbers of corporate insolvencies and IRD-driven windup applications. Construction, forestry, logistics, and small food and retail businesses are among the hardest hit, but...

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