Three key government policies took effect on Sunday - trumpeted by Labour Party heavyweights at a launch in West Auckland. Prime Minister Helen Clark hailed the start of the KiwiSaver scheme and the Finance Minister is undaunted that just 300 people have joined so far. "It's surprising that on the Sunday when we are launching it that we have already got people signed up," says Michael Cullen.
Financial experts say there is an unnecessary sense of panic surrounding the KiwiSaver scheme. They say there is doubt among employers and employees alike about how the scheme works and what they are supposed to do. New Zealand Exchange spokeswoman Rowan MacRae says all people need to do now is tell their employer if they want to opt in.
He says it is not necessary to pick a specific KiwiSaver fund until October. MacRae says there are questions everyone should be asking about fees and other costs charged by various providers. But he believes people should have time to do their own research and decide what is best for them.
The 20 free hours of pre-school education also begins on July 1, along with reduced doctors' fees and prescriptions for people aged 25 to 44. Three key government policies took effect on Sunday - trumpeted by Labour Party heavyweights at a launch in West Auckland.
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