KiwiSaver default scheme providers announced

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Finance Minister Michael Cullen and Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel today named six default providers they intend to appoint for KiwiSaver.

Thursday, December 7th 2006, 11:59AM

Dr Cullen said the announcement of the default providers is an important step in the introduction of the scheme which aims to help New Zealanders develop long-term savings habits and will give them more choices for securing their financial futures. The six providers selected will be ready to accept members when the scheme comes into operation on July 1, 2007. They are: * ASB Group Investments Limited * AMP Services (NZ) Limited * ING (NZ) Limited * Mercer Human Resource Consulting Limited * National Mutual Corporate Superannuation Services Limited (trading as AXA New Zealand) * TOWER Employee Benefits Limited. "The default providers are required to meet stringent criteria so as to ensure they are able to offer the kinds of retirement savings options New Zealanders want and need," said Dr Cullen. "The appointments are subject to each company becoming a KiwiSaver provider and successfully implementing the necessary systems and processes that will be required for it to begin operating on 1 July 2007." People who join KiwiSaver without nominating a preferred savings scheme will be automatically allocated to one of the selected default providers. "We had a large number of applicants and our appointment of a number of default providers will ensure KiwiSavers who don't choose their own provider will still be looked after by a provider of high quality. "This is important to ensure employees can have confidence in KiwiSaver. "I am heartened by the level of interest being shown by the savings industry which gives me confidence that employees will have a good range of providers to choose from. "KiwiSaver aims to make it easier for employees to save for their futures. It is essential New Zealanders develop better long-term savings habits so they can look forward with more confidence to a retirement that meets their aspirations. "Today's announcement shows we are on track for a successful launch of the scheme. A public information campaign will be launched in the months before the 1 July start date together with forums to assist scheme providers," said Dr Cullen. Lianne Dalziel said the selection of the companies to be appointed as default providers was an open competitive tender process where ministers were assisted by advice from independent external experts who carried out detailed evaluation of potential providers. "In making our decision ministers followed a fair, consistent and transparent process which ensured all potential default providers were assessed on an equal basis. Remember too that any provider, not just a default provider, will be able to offer KiwiSaver schemes that meet the requirements of the KiwiSaver Act. "New Zealanders will be able to actively choose a KiwiSaver scheme that best meets their specific savings needs. Members are not confined to using one of the default providers and membership is easily transferable as people's needs change over time," she said.

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