Kerr, who is leaving Workplace Savings after 12 years in the top job, believes KiwiSaver schemes could learn from employer provided superannuation schemes.
"Because they have been around longer, the trustees are genuinely interested in the welfare of the members," he says.
He cites a standout example of trustees thinking about members in the Police Super Scheme, which already provides much more information than most about what kind of income individuals' savings will generate in retirement.
He would like to see all super schemes change the way they report on savings, to show members what kind of income could be extrapolated from their current rate of saving.
"We are of the view that the message needs to change so the focus is on: you can expect an income of XX dollars every year."
That ties in with the other work the organisation does with Massey University, on how much retirees are actually spending.
"We need to keep delivering the message around the end goal," says Kerr. And that goal is to replace your income when you are no longer in paid work.
Kerr believes more people are talking about their retirement savings these days.
"I think people do talk about it. You get really good stories like the one I heard the other day about someone living in the South Island who will be the first person in their family to own their own home because of KiwiSaver."
But he also worries that a "huge rump" of people are in KiwiSaver but not contributing. Some 43 per cent of the 2.5 million members are considered to be non-contributors, although that figure is partly due to those under 18.
"That's a huge challenge for providers and the Government."
KiwiSaver schemes also lag behind corporate super schemes when it comes to contribution rates from the member and the employer.
He says in many employer schemes, members are putting in as much as 5 or 6 per cent, and it's not unusual for the employer to be putting in 1.5 times the member's contribution.
That is a combined contribution rate of around 12 to 15 per cent compared to KiwiSaver's 6 per cent, or 5 per cent once tax is taken off the employer contribution.
"Everyone has to face up to the fact that the current contribution rate is not enough to deliver a meaningful outcome."
Kerr says it pales into significance when compared to Australia's rate, which is also double-digit. "I'm not saying Australia has the right answer - just 5 per cent doesn't feel right."
He reckons 10 per cent could be closer to the right rate, but says it could be increased slowly as people's pay increases.
"I'm a fan of incremental increases when CPI and wage inflation allow."
Employer-sponsored schemes have also faced a raft of challenges from KiwiSaver.
The schemes were already in decline when Kerr began heading Workplace Savings, and there are even fewer such schemes today.
Some employers ditched their super scheme to embrace KiwiSaver - controversially in some cases, as it meant the employer was contributing less than they had previously.
Others adjusted to the new rules and bolted on the KiwiSaver bit to their existing scheme, allowing employees to get the government subsidies.
Kerr says even after eight years of KiwiSaver, challenges to the employer schemes remain.
"The risk is, almost every new person joining the firm probably belongs to KiwiSaver already."
And eventually, contribution rates for KiwiSaver will outpace the employer schemes, he predicts, making them less attractive.
Still, there are benefits that can come with an employer scheme that will never be part of KiwiSaver, such as the ability to take a lump sum when you leave the firm.
Many also offer cheap life insurance - something the insurance industry would love to see expanded to KiwiSaver.
Tougher conduct legislation now means all super schemes, including KiwiSaver providers, have to meet new criteria, such as having a licensed independent trustee by December next year.
Kerr says there are a lot of compliance hurdles in getting licensed under the new legislation. "You've got to have a pretty strong case to go through with it."
He says a number of the bigger schemes are pushing ahead, but many smaller ones should consider their future.
While the changes are tough, he says they will be good for the industry.
"I think the governance will probably ratchet up in terms of professionalism."
Despite the challenges for the employer-sponsored super sector, Kerr believes KiwiSaver has been a good thing.
"The good news is collectively, between the corporate super schemes and KiwiSaver, we have a heck of a lot more Kiwis engaged in putting money away for their retirement years."
As for his own retirement, Kerr reckons he could be ready at 70 but then again, maybe not.
"Having something that is meaningful that stimulates me is really important.
"There is a lot in life to look forward to."
Q&A
What has been your career highlight?
I have been fortunate enough to have had a career in banking and a second career in the retirement savings/retirement income industry, so it is difficult to pick just one highlight. My banking career highlight came when I was granted the opportunity, as an Area Manager, to run [Westpac's] retail operation in Taranaki and Whanganui.
My second career has been as the executive director of the peak body for the retirement saving industry. Each year we deliver a thought leadership conference for the wider industry participants. The opportunity to influence future outcomes for all New Zealanders is an incredible privilege.
Toughest thing you've ever done?
Raising and unconditionally loving a daughter who was born with cystic fibrosis, knowing that I would outlive her. She thoroughly enjoyed life until just before her 20th birthday.
Best advice you ever received?
I recall my mother once saying to me that I should pursue home ownership, but to remember that in retirement I couldn't eat the carpet. Her simple point was that it's important to financially prepare for that long period out of the paid workforce - no point owning a grand freehold home if you have no retirement income.
Favourite way to relax?
Playing golf with my wife and/or good mates. Or dining with friends and sharing a bottle of suitably aged red wine.
Dream holiday weekend?
Watching everyone else drive out of Wellington for their "away" holiday weekend, and knowing that it's the best little city in the world and even more so over a quiet holiday weekend.
