In 2024, Year 13 student Issie Mullen-Winiata began the process of presenting her bill amendment for Kiwisaver, working alongside local Waimakariri MP Matt Doocey. Issie thought it was incredibly unfair that students who were working were not getting the employer contribution to their Kiwisaver, as it wasn’t compulsory for employers to contribute to under 18 year olds. Issie created a petition that gained a number of signatures, and then she went to parliament to watch this get presented earlier this year.
With the recent Budget 2025 announcement last week, this change was confirmed and, as of July 2025, it will be compulsory for employers to contribute to their employees’ Kiwisaver from age 16.
We are very proud of Issie making this change for young New Zealanders that will have a considerable impact on either purchasing their first home or retirement. Well done Issie!
