Campaigners and advocates are hailing the government's move to allow thousands of people with life-shortening conditions early access to their Kiwisaver funds.
Tim Fairhill answers questions with Minister David Clark. Photo: Supplied
From next month people with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Huntington's disease and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder will be automatically entitled to cash in their Kiwisaver earlier.
The change, which takes effect from 26 March, will potentially benefits thousands of people. It was initiated by one man and his mother, who took their fight for justice all the way to Parliament.
Auckland supermarket worker Tim Fairhall joined Kiwisaver on the advice of his mother, Joan.
She said it seemed to be "an absolute no-brainer".
"I said 'go for it' and didn't consider - as perhaps I should have known - that he would not be able to get it out on his retirement. And I knew his retirement would have to be a lot earlier than 65."
That was because Fairhall, who is now 41, has Down Syndrome, which has a life expectancy of about 60.
The Fairhalls felt it was not fair he might not live long enough to enjoy his savings.
So in 2019 they convinced Parliament to give early access to Kiwisaver for people like him, with life-shortening conditions.
Today, the government announced changes to make that even easier, with a list of four congenital conditions that will guarantee early withdrawal.
Speaking at the official announcement at IHC's Wellington headquarters this morning, Tim Fairhall shared his plans for his Kiwisaver savings.
"I want to use my savings to see my brother Scott in Italy and see my friend Thomas in Canada. I'm very excited. My friends and family are very important to me."
He said he was grateful the government listened - showing his appreciation by sharing his colouring book with Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs David Clark.
Joan Fairhall was delighted her son would get to enjoy his hard-earned savings - along with thousands of other people who were missing out on their own money.
"People with a disability too have dreams and things they're going to want in their retirement - and they're going to want a retirement! They're certainly entitled to it. So I'm glad we've been able to help."
Dr Clark, who was visibly moved, paid tribute to Tim and Joan for their advocacy.
"Here we've had someone who's reached out, written a letter and a law change has come about that's going to make the system fairer for New Zealanders."
IHC advocacy director Trish Grant and Kiwisaver lobbyist Tim Fairhall. Photo: Ruth Hill
Support group IHC director of advocacy, Trish Grant, told Midday Report people with other conditions could also apply with their doctors' support.
"It's a great advocacy triumph ... it not only creates an entitlement for flexibility for certain groups, but there's also a pathway for other people too to get that more flexible response to have access to their KiwiSaver fund prior to 65."
She said Tim Fairhall played a huge role in getting the change across the line.
"It's all credit to him and his mother Joan that they held the faith and kept talking to people in government until they listened and responded.
"We heard today from the chief executive of the New Zealand Medical Association, welcoming this news and promoting GPs as the right people to do that sign off."
The list of four conditions - Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Huntington's disease and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder - was developed in consultation with health and disability experts from IHC, Massey University and the New Zealand Medical Association.
They were likely to account for most applications - but others born with life-shortening congenital conditions can also apply with the support of their doctor.
New Zealand Medical Association chief executive Lesley Clarke said the implications for equity went "far beyond just Kiwisaver".
Head of the medical association, Lesley Clarke. Photo: VNP / Daniela Maoate-Cox
"Every health policy, every health service that has an age requirement on it, need to be examined to see whether that is appropriate for those groups that may be in a different situation because of ethnicity or other reasons and need access to those services earlier."
Dr Clark said widening early access to Kiwisaver for other reasons, like ethnicity, was "not on the table at the moment".
However, he said the new regime for Kiwisaver would be reviewed in 18 months and then periodically after that.
