National moves to make KiwiSaver compulsory for all workers, with $1,500 government payment at birth

The National Party has introduced legislation to end KiwiSaver's opt-out model, making the scheme compulsory for all workers and automatically enrolling newborns with a $1,500 government contribution at birth. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has sought cross-party backing to ensure the changes survive across parliamentary terms. The shift marks the first time any government has moved compulsory KiwiSaver to legislation since the scheme launched in 2006.