KiwiSaver has changed the way New Zealanders save - but with an ageing population and growing fiscal pressures, the current system won’t be enough to support future generations. In this episode, Simplicity Chief Economist Shamubeel Eaqub lays out his vision for KiwiSaver 2.0: a bolder, more sustainable approach to retirement savings that draws inspiration from successful global models.

He explains why New Zealand’s "pay-as-you-go" superannuation system is becoming increasingly unaffordable, what we can learn from Australia’s compulsory Super regime, and the simple changes that could transform KiwiSaver into a powerful long-term asset for both individuals and the economy.

This month's episode covers:

• Why New Zealand’s ageing population makes our current public finances - especially Superannuation and healthcare - increasingly unsustainable
• How KiwiSaver has shifted household saving behaviour, but why policy hasn’t kept pace
• The case for compulsory employer contributions, modelled on Australia and other high-performing pension systems
• How smarter hardship rules and “sidecar” savings could help low-income earners build both resilience today and more security for retirement
• The idea of “Baby KiwiSaver” - enrolling children at birth to harness the long-term power of compounding returns
• Why a stronger KiwiSaver system could meaningfully boost New Zealand’s investment capacity, infrastructure, and long-term productivity

Shamubeel breaks down complex retirement and fiscal challenges we're facing to show how a bigger, better KiwiSaver could give future generations more choices and help New Zealand shift from a capital-shallow economy to a capital-rich one.

You should come away from this episode with a clearer understanding of why KiwiSaver needs to evolve, and what meaningful reform could look like in the years ahead.

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Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.