National are looking to speed up the process of giving people with life-shortening conditions early access to their KiwiSaver funds.
Minister of Commerce Kris Faafoi announced yesterday two independent advisers would advise him on changing the withdrawal criteria for KiwiSaver.
He was spurred by calls from Tim Fairhall, who has Down syndrome and wants to go on an overseas trip while he is healthy, and his mother Joan Fairhall.
"I think it's fair and just that New Zealanders who have been paying into KiwiSaver throughout their working life should expect to one day enjoy the benefits of their savings in their retirement – be that at 45 or 65," he said.
Today, National MP Nicola Willis lodged a Member's Bill "which would address this problem immediately".
"I have done all of the work for the Minister, it will save time, save the taxpayer from funding yet another review and show compassion towards those who aren't currently able to access their funds."
Ms Willis' bill would mean an application would be made to a fund manager, "who would need to be satisfied that a member has a chronic illness or a health condition which causes them to have a limited life expectancy".
"In the spirit of Christmas, I'd like Mr Faafoi to consider National's bill, which will help speed up the process considerably," she said.
Mr Faafoi's advisers are expected to report back early next year, after consultation with medical practitioners, KiwiSaver experts and people who have life-shortening conditions.
"The one-size-fits-all retirement age does not work for this group faced with life-shortening conditions, so we are going to fix that," he said.
Mr Fairhall's mother told 1 NEWS yesterday they were "delighted to know we have progress".
"This is the first step," she said. "There will be many more steps to go through before the legislation act gets passed. But it's a big step and a promising one."
The money Mr Fairhall needs to travel with his mother is locked up in KiwiSaver until he turns 65, but Down syndrome means he is ageing faster than most.
Tim Fairhall wants to use his savings to travel while he is still in good health. (Source: Other)
He said his goal was to see his brother in Italy and his best friend in Canada.
"Tim knows this is not just for him," his mum said. "It's for all his other friends and people like him who either won't be able to get their money or can't start saving for their retirement because they're not going to live long enough to get their money.
"As Minister Kris Faafoi said, everybody should be able to benefit from KiwiSaver. This is a group who just missed out."
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