KEY POINTS:
National leader John Key says his party will lock in superannuation at no less than 66 per cent of the average wage.
Mr Key, announcing the party's tax policy today, said National would keep the floor for New Zealand Superannuation at 66 per cent of the after tax average wage.
He said tax cuts would push payments higher.
The current fortnightly rate for a married couple was $462.74 after tax.
Under National by April next year it would be $483, 2010 $500; 2011 $522.
Mr Key said under Labour it would grow much slower.
By 2013 under National, superannuitant couples' would get $554 as opposed to $536 under Labour.
Also in the policy was an increase in the non-qualified partner rate.
That was when a superannuitant's partner did not qualify for superannuation but was included in the payment. At the moment the couple could earn $80 a week before payments were affected and National would increase that to $100.
National said it was committed to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund in its current form.
"National firmly believes that security, stability and predictability are vital in the area of retirement incomes.
"Bipartisan support and long-term commitments to the Superannuation Fund will ensure this."
- NZPA
