There’s been a lot of kōrero lately about Te Pāti Māori’s call for Māori to access superannuation earlier than 65 which has stirred up some big discussions — but at the heart of it, the issue is simple:
Māori are still dying younger than non-Māori. And it’s not by choice.
Why are people talking about early super?
Right now, the system assumes everyone will retire at the same age.
But we know Māori, on average, live 7 years less than non-Māori.
That gap isn’t because of personal choices or bad luck.
It’s the result of long-standing, systemic inequalities — including unfair policies, underinvestment in Māori health, and social conditions that continue to disadvantage whānau Māori.
Māori still carry the burden of harm from alcohol, tobacco and gambling — evidence of a system that hasn’t upheld its responsibility to protect Māori wellbeing or support tino rangatiratanga in health.
Te Pāti Māori’s proposal is saying: if Māori are contributing all their lives but not living as long to enjoy retirement, shouldn’t the system reflect that reality?
And it’s not just time we’re missing out on – it’s money too.
Seven years of superannuation at the current single living alone rate adds up to $195,984.88.
That’s nearly $200k that many Māori never get to see, simply because we don’t live long enough.
Source: Tatau Kahukura: Māori Health Chart Book 2024 (4th edition), Ministry of Health. Page 27. Graph: Life expectancy at birth, Māori and non-Māori, by sex (1950–2019).
Is early super the right fix?
Early access to superannuation might ease some of the burden for whānau — but it will not fix the root cause.
We need a system where Māori can live long, thriving lives — where equity is built into every part of the journey, not just added on at the end.
Where does Hāpai stand?
At Hāpai Te Hauora, we’ve always fought for systemic change — not just band aid solutions. In our Budget submissions and health advocacy, we’ve been clear: it’s things like housing, education, good jobs, culture, good government policies, and community wellbeing that change life expectancy.
“It took at least 150 years of oppression to accrue the Māori health inequities we experience today. It’s laughable to expect them to be fixed overnight.”
And that’s exactly it.
This conversation shouldn’t just be around early super. It’s about facing up to the deep inequities that are still costing Māori lives today.
Our whakaaro:
Early superannuation could be a step. But real change is building a future where Māori don’t just live to 65 — we thrive well beyond it.
Because true equity isn’t giving people a head start — it’s changing the whole race.
