Latest news with #DavidBoyle
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Should I contribute to KiwiSaver or pay mortgage faster? Ask Susan
The short answer is it depends. Photo: RNZ I was wondering, is it better to invest more in your KiwiSaver or into your mortgage? We are lucky and have a little bit of extra cash every pay, so we have been making additional mortgage repayments. With the upcoming changes to KiwiSaver, we won't be able to continue to do this if we don't opt out. What is the better option? My thinking is the lower the mortgage, the less interest we pay, which would see us better off in the long term. Fisher Funds Kiwisaver general manager David Boyle says he has received questions like this over the years and the answer is: "it depends". "It's hard to know, without knowing the total financial position and how long they've got until they retire," he said. "Paying more off your mortgage and contributing to KiwiSaver are both smart choices, if you find yourself with a bit of money leftover before payday. "To help with this here are some things they should consider if they keep paying a bit more off the mortgage." It's probably worth talking to a financial adviser about this. If you opt to focus on paying your mortgage faster, you might need a plan to get you on track for retirement, once that loan is gone. The increase to contributions of 4 percent is stepped over the next couple of years. Are you likely to receive a pay rise over that period that will help you continue paying a bit off your mortgage, as well as contribute a bit more? You also have the option to temporarily lower your contribution rate back to 3 percent if you want. I am the epitome of being a victim of the government's totally unfair direct deduction policy. I should have started receiving my richly deserved superannuation when I qualified for it 9.5 years ago and the Winter Energy Payments seven years ago when they began. Consequently, over $300,000 has been stolen from me and I live in abject poverty as a result. I am a dual citizen from America. I have lived here 19.5 years, so on what legal basis has the government for denying the WEPs? Its written explanation is that it would be difficult to administer to NZ seniors not currently receiving a government benefit such as superannuation. That is mind boggling and I hope you see fit to write about this outrageous treatment of nearly 100,000 Kiwi seniors. Sorry, yes, I've checked with the ministry and it confirms that people who are not getting NZ Super because of an overseas pension cannot get the Winter Energy Payment. Generally, if your NZ Super entitlement has been eliminated by your overseas pension, it's because what you receive from overseas is more than the NZ Super payment. Send your questions to Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
14-05-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Personal finance: do you have savings for a rainy day ?
Photo: NICK VEASEY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRAR The Retirement Commission's Money Month theme this year is the importance of Emergency Savings - the idea of having a bit aside for the unexpected. Kathryn speaks with money expert David Boyle, who says for many it is very difficult to save, but it is an important way to smooth-out life's little or medium financial emergencies. David Boyle is the General Manager of Kiwisaver for Fisher Funds and was previously with Mint Asset Management and the Commission for Financial Capability. This discussion is of a general nature and does not constitute financial advice.
The National
02-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Plans for battery storage site at Scottish tourist attraction
Renewable energy developer Elmya hopes the ambitious project at Kelburn Estate will help boost the facility and businesses in the surrounding area as the fight to tackle climate change goes on across North Ayrshire and beyond. The developer has launched plans for a new Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) facility within the grounds of the Kelburn Estate. It is expected that the investment will enable the estate to plan for the long-term and invest in its future, providing an opportunity to hire more people and explore new ways to benefit the local area. READ MORE: All jobs lost at subsea tech firm in Scotland as firm enters administration And it is also expected that local businesses and suppliers will gain from significant opportunities throughout the construction and operation. Kelburn Estate is a site of historic importance, housing a castle, built in the 13th century, which is believed to be the oldest in Scotland to have been continuously inhabited by the same family. The proposed development will have a capacity of 400MW and will be able to store renewable energy to be used during times of peak demand, strengthening Scotland's energy independence and enabling developers to offer green power even when the wind is not blowing and the sun is not shining. David Boyle, of Kelburn Estate, said: 'We are delighted to welcome the proposals for the Battery Energy Storage System. 'Not only does it help the estate contribute to Scotland's fight against climate change, it will also provide more opportunities for us to grow and develop our offering to the local community. 'With this investment, we could rejuvenate the grounds and explore new opportunities to open up the site for everyone to enjoy for years to come.' The site is all based on the grounds on the Kelburn estate, in between Auchenhary Wood and Auchenhary Hill. READ MORE: First Orange walk in more than a decade planned in Scottish town Elmya are seeking feedback from residents on its proposals. As part of this engagement, the project team will be hosting a public consultation event on Thursday, May 22 at the pavilion on the Kelburn Estate from 3pm until 7pm. Members of the project team will be on hand to answer questions, discuss the initial proposals and gather feedback. Stephen Milburn, senior development manager of Elmya, said: 'We are delighted to be bringing forward our proposals for a Battery Energy Storage System. We believe that the development will accelerate Scotland's journey towards Net Zero and provide an economic boost to the local area. 'Community Feedback is essential for us to create a development which is effective both for us and the local community. We look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts and addressing any questions on the project'. Elmya is also encouraging online feedback via the website until June 8.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Changing The Trajectory: Report Reveals Solutions For Improving Outcomes For Vulnerable Children In Aotearoa New Zealand
Press Release – Stand Tu Maia The report examines how early experiences of trauma shape the trajectory of individuals lives and presents a clear argument for investing in trauma-capable services. Such interventions improve long-term outcomes for children and their whnau. A new report has found adopting neuroscience advances, underpinned by data science and strong values, would make a significant difference to the tens of thousands of the most vulnerable children living in New Zealand, and deliver much better value for money in social services. The report, Changing the trajectory: Modern neuroscience-informed therapeutic interventions, integrated with the wisdom of deep values can reverse the lifetime impact of childhood trauma in New Zealand, was commissioned by Stand Tū Māia to facilitate discussion about a sustainable and effective funding and delivery framework for Aotearoa New Zealand's social service provider sector. The findings provide a clear path forward for New Zealand's system to better deliver sustainable support services for the estimated 48,000 significantly at-risk children. Stand Tū Māia is a charitable trust providing specialist and intensive wraparound response social services for vulnerable children aged between 5 and 12 years. David Boyle, Chair of Stand Tū Māia, said Aotearoa New Zealand has a golden opportunity to drastically improve the lives of significantly at-risk children, and to get better value for money from investment in social services. 'We believe we all have a 'weight of responsibility' to create a framework that we can all deliver the best care and support needed to help those most in need. We cannot afford to waste any more time or resources. The longer the delay, the more we risk failing those most at need, the children and whānau whose futures depend on timely, effective interventions, and society which otherwise faces much of the fiscal and wider social cost,' he said. The report examines how early experiences of trauma shape the trajectory of individuals' lives and presents a clear argument for investing in trauma-capable services. Such interventions improve long-term outcomes for children and their whānau. Dr Fiona Inkpen, Chief Executive of Stand Tū Māia said the Changing the Trajectory research paper highlights the opportunity, and urgent need, for action to address the impacts of trauma on children and their whānau. 'Trauma-capable services offer a strategic approach to reducing the immense fiscal costs associated with failing to address the impacts of trauma early on. Childhood trauma is now widely recognised as one of the most significant determinants of poor lifetime outcomes for children. 'Tens of thousands of children live in conditions that expose them to early trauma. The lifelong impact puts them at very high risk of poor outcomes that will unfortunately follow them through life. It is estimated the cost of not providing these children and whānau with the right specialist trauma-capable support is $15 Billion [1],' she said. The report highlights opportunities to learn from advances in brain science, data science and the successes in current social service intervention delivery, along with Te Ao Māori wisdom providing holistic and community-based perspectives on healing. 'We know the negative impacts of trauma leads to lifelong issues for our children. This is seen across their health, learning and employment, as well as behaviour and relationships. It is incredibly sad for these children, but also has a social and financial cost for our society. 'Stand Tū Māia commissioned this report because we believe there is a different way of supporting children so they can have better outcomes and live better lives, as well as the sector providing better value for money through targeted intervention. 'We hope this report will help set a stable pathway forward to deliver the services that have the best long-term outcomes for children,' Dr Inkpen said. Mr Boyle emphasised that the Changing the trajectory research report outlines a recommended immediate shift in focus. It states targeted interventions over the long term, that work to support our most vulnerable children, will make the most valuable differences. 'A social investment approach can be a circuit breaker, through the use of data and evidence to understand the cause of social problems, and support early investment in effective services for the most vulnerable. 'The report acknowledges the real concern that the current approach is not delivering the desired outcomes. It is critical that we also take a hard look at accountability, funding structures and processes, and across government service coordination models. While these areas certainly need improvement, the most pressing need is not perfection, but rather speed. We must avoid the mistakes of the past – delays, lack of trust and application of knowledge, indecision, and a failure to invest in the means.' 'This is New Zealand's moment to put evidence-based approaches into action and build a future where no child is left behind due to the unresolved impact of trauma. The path is clear. We must walk it, now. This approach could be a circuit breaker for addressing childhood trauma and its lifelong impacts,' said Mr Boyle. The report was researched and written by Jean-Pierre de Raad, an independent economic and public policy consultant, with a background in the health and wider social sector policy. The full report is available on the Stand Tū Māia website: Fact sheet: Changing the Trajectory Research About Stand Tū Māia Stand Tū Māia is one of New Zealand's leading social service providers recognised for its specialist trauma-capable intervention services and the outcomes we deliver. It works with the most vulnerable young children and their whanau, providing specialist trauma-capable treatment programmes for children aged 5 to 12 years, along with intensive family support focused on restoration of safety and wellness Children and families are referred to it often as a last resort following numerous social services, health, and education interventions. This typically follows numerous social service, health and education interventions. Stand Tū Māia currently supports nearly 1,000 and their whānau and has a waiting list of 328 children. Many on this waiting list have specifically requested its help based on Stand Tū Māia 's proven track record and the trust they have in our team and service. 70% of the children Stand Tū Māia works with are known to Oranga Tamariki.
Scoop
29-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Changing The Trajectory: Report Reveals Solutions For Improving Outcomes For Vulnerable Children In Aotearoa New Zealand
A new report has found adopting neuroscience advances, underpinned by data science and strong values, would make a significant difference to the tens of thousands of the most vulnerable children living in New Zealand, and deliver much better value for money in social services. The report, Changing the trajectory: Modern neuroscience-informed therapeutic interventions, integrated with the wisdom of deep values can reverse the lifetime impact of childhood trauma in New Zealand, was commissioned by Stand Tū Māia to facilitate discussion about a sustainable and effective funding and delivery framework for Aotearoa New Zealand's social service provider sector. The findings provide a clear path forward for New Zealand's system to better deliver sustainable support services for the estimated 48,000 significantly at-risk children. Stand Tū Māia is a charitable trust providing specialist and intensive wraparound response social services for vulnerable children aged between 5 and 12 years. David Boyle, Chair of Stand Tū Māia, said Aotearoa New Zealand has a golden opportunity to drastically improve the lives of significantly at-risk children, and to get better value for money from investment in social services. 'We believe we all have a 'weight of responsibility' to create a framework that we can all deliver the best care and support needed to help those most in need. We cannot afford to waste any more time or resources. The longer the delay, the more we risk failing those most at need, the children and whānau whose futures depend on timely, effective interventions, and society which otherwise faces much of the fiscal and wider social cost,' he said. The report examines how early experiences of trauma shape the trajectory of individuals' lives and presents a clear argument for investing in trauma-capable services. Such interventions improve long-term outcomes for children and their whānau. Dr Fiona Inkpen, Chief Executive of Stand Tū Māia said the Changing the Trajectory research paper highlights the opportunity, and urgent need, for action to address the impacts of trauma on children and their whānau. 'Trauma-capable services offer a strategic approach to reducing the immense fiscal costs associated with failing to address the impacts of trauma early on. Childhood trauma is now widely recognised as one of the most significant determinants of poor lifetime outcomes for children. 'Tens of thousands of children live in conditions that expose them to early trauma. The lifelong impact puts them at very high risk of poor outcomes that will unfortunately follow them through life. It is estimated the cost of not providing these children and whānau with the right specialist trauma-capable support is $15 Billion [1],' she said. The report highlights opportunities to learn from advances in brain science, data science and the successes in current social service intervention delivery, along with Te Ao Māori wisdom providing holistic and community-based perspectives on healing. 'We know the negative impacts of trauma leads to lifelong issues for our children. This is seen across their health, learning and employment, as well as behaviour and relationships. It is incredibly sad for these children, but also has a social and financial cost for our society. 'Stand Tū Māia commissioned this report because we believe there is a different way of supporting children so they can have better outcomes and live better lives, as well as the sector providing better value for money through targeted intervention. 'We hope this report will help set a stable pathway forward to deliver the services that have the best long-term outcomes for children,' Dr Inkpen said. Mr Boyle emphasised that the Changing the trajectory research report outlines a recommended immediate shift in focus. It states targeted interventions over the long term, that work to support our most vulnerable children, will make the most valuable differences. 'A social investment approach can be a circuit breaker, through the use of data and evidence to understand the cause of social problems, and support early investment in effective services for the most vulnerable. 'The report acknowledges the real concern that the current approach is not delivering the desired outcomes. It is critical that we also take a hard look at accountability, funding structures and processes, and across government service coordination models. While these areas certainly need improvement, the most pressing need is not perfection, but rather speed. We must avoid the mistakes of the past – delays, lack of trust and application of knowledge, indecision, and a failure to invest in the means.' 'This is New Zealand's moment to put evidence-based approaches into action and build a future where no child is left behind due to the unresolved impact of trauma. The path is clear. We must walk it, now. This approach could be a circuit breaker for addressing childhood trauma and its lifelong impacts,' said Mr Boyle. The report was researched and written by Jean-Pierre de Raad, an independent economic and public policy consultant, with a background in the health and wider social sector policy. The full report is available on the Stand Tū Māia website: About Stand Tū Māia Stand Tū Māia is one of New Zealand's leading social service providers recognised for its specialist trauma-capable intervention services and the outcomes we deliver. It works with the most vulnerable young children and their whanau, providing specialist trauma-capable treatment programmes for children aged 5 to 12 years, along with intensive family support focused on restoration of safety and wellness Children and families are referred to it often as a last resort following numerous social services, health, and education interventions. This typically follows numerous social service, health and education interventions. Stand Tū Māia currently supports nearly 1,000 and their whānau and has a waiting list of 328 children. Many on this waiting list have specifically requested its help based on Stand Tū Māia 's proven track record and the trust they have in our team and service. 70% of the children Stand Tū Māia works with are known to Oranga Tamariki.
