
Retirement Commissioner Jane Wrightson will step down from her role next year following the conclusion of her second term.
Wrightson has advised Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Scott Simpson that she will not seek reappointment after nearly six years leading the Retirement Commission.
During her time as commissioner, Wrightson prompted the first substantive review of the Retirement Villages Act 2003, with a decision expected on legislative changes by the end of 2025.
She also recommended employer and employee KiwiSaver contributions increase to 4% and for 16- and 17-year-olds to be included 鈥 something that was confirmed in Budget 2025.
Wrightson said she was proud of what鈥檚 been achieved during her time in the role.
鈥淚 can鈥檛 do anything without a great team, and while we might be small, over the years have achieved some big wins.
鈥淥ur high-quality research and analysis provide evidence for considered policy change. We ensure it鈥檚 public so that people can rely on it to inform themselves and their ideas.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been a privilege to hold this position, and I鈥檇 like to thank my team, the ministers I鈥檝e worked with, and our sector partners and stakeholders that help us to improve the financial futures of New Zealanders so a better retirement can be enjoyed by all.鈥
Simpson said recruitment for the next Retirement Commissioner would begin shortly.
鈥淚 would like to thank Jane Wrightson for her leadership and for the way she鈥檚 advocated for better financial capability and retirement outcomes for New Zealanders. I wish her all the very best for the future.鈥
Wrightson also championed the compulsory inclusion of financial education in schools, which was announced in April 2025.
鈥淵ears of championing for a stronger focus on financial education in schools has been heard, and it will be a game-changer for the next generation鈥檚 financial wellbeing,鈥 she said.
Wrightson was reappointed for her second term in 2022.
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