Axing first-home buyer help from KiwiSaver won't slow prices: economist

Economist Rosie Collins says we shouldn’t be afraid of expanding KiwiSaver into a life-cycle savings scheme. (Image: supplied)

Dan Brunskill

Wed, 02 Feb 2022

Suggestions first-home buyers should not be allowed to use their KiwiSaver accounts to secure a deposit have been criticised by experts who say it would dash the hopes of younger people getting a first step on the housing ladder.The latest OECD Economic Survey of New Zealand was focused on ways to boost productivity, navigate economic risks, and get runaway house prices under control.However, one suggestion left over from a previous survey – that KiwiSaver first-home withdrawals should be phased out – has been criticised for undermi...

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