The $30b time bomb facing the next Govt episode artwork

EPISODE · Jul 29, 2026 · 17 MIN

The $30b time bomb facing the next Govt

from The SME Stream · host iHeartRadio NZ

New Zealand’s superannuation problem is something that constantly rears its head.  Whether it’s abolishing MPs’ gold-plated super scheme, if we should introduce means testing, or heighten the retirement age – one thing’s always clear... our status quo is untenable.  The annual cost of NZ Super has already risen from less than $20 billion in 2023 to $24.7b this financial year, and is forecast to pass $30b in 2030.  Meanwhile, the annual superbill for older migrants has hit a billion dollars – five years after Parliament tightened eligibility.  So, what are the real pressure points in the system and how politically realistic are any of the fixes?  Today on The Front Page, Newstalk ZB political reporter Ethan Griffiths is with us to unpack the numbers, the politics, and what changes might actually be on the table. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jul 29, 2026

Embed this episode

NOW PLAYING

The $30b time bomb facing the next Govt

0:00 17:13

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The SME Stream?

This episode is 17 minutes long.

When was this The SME Stream episode published?

This episode was published on July 29, 2026.

Can I download this The SME Stream episode?

Yes. Use the download control on the episode player to save the publisher-provided media file.
URL copied to clipboard!