Links
The following organisations have direct relationships with the Government Superannuitants Association.
Datacom Employer Services Limited
The administrator of the GSF schemes is Datacom Employer Services (www.datacompeople.co.nz). Datacom is responsible for the day-to-day management of the schemes, including the collection of contributions and payment of annuities and allowances. Enquiries on these issues by or about individual members of the GSF schemes should be directed to Datacom, free-phone 0800 654 731.
The Government Superannuation Fund
Government Superannuation Fund is a term used to describe a group of government superannuation schemes and the assets ("the Fund") held to meet the benefits payable by those schemes. Its activities are controlled by the Government Superannuation Fund Act 1956. Under an amendment in 2001 the GSF Authority (www.gsfa.govt.nz) assumed responsibility for the custody, investment and management of the Fund. It reports annually to Parliament. Historical background can be found in the publication summary of "Rewarding Service: A History of the Government Superannuation Fund" by Neill Atkinson, 2002.
New Zealand Railway Superannuitants Association
The GSA works closely with the New Zealand Railway Superannuitants Association on all matters of policy. To achieve this, the NZRSA President and General Secretary attend Council and Executive meetings with speaking but not voting rights.
This very comprehensive website offers an extensive guide to the New Zealand central and local government services (www.govt.nz) . It includes information on New Zealand superannuation.
Other organisations of interest
There are a number of organisations directed to assisting superannuitants generally. Some of those with a New Zealand wide coverage are:
- Age Concern New Zealand
Age Concern New Zealand (www.ageconcern.org.nz) is a not-for-profit, charitable organisation, dedicated to promoting the quality of life and wellbeing of older people, advocating a message of positive, healthy ageing for people of all ages. There is a local Age Concern Council in all cities and in most provincial centres around New Zealand. - Grey Power
Grey Power (www.greypower.co.nz) aims to advance, support and protect the welfare and wellbeing of older people and to gain recognition as an appropriate voice for all older New Zealanders. It is not aligned with any political party but acts as a lobby group on all issues within its sphere of interest. - Grey Skills
Grey Skills (www.greyskills.co.nz) is a franchising company set up to assist mature people who were unable to get work because of age discrimination. Full details about its services are on the website. - Retirement Commission
The Retirement Commission (www.retirement.org.nz) is an independent crown agency that helps New Zealanders prepare financially for their retirement. For more information on two of their better known projects check out Sorted and the Retirement Income Research Centre. - SeniorNet
SeniorNet (www.seniornet.org.nz) offers older adults an opportunity to learn skills relating to new communication and information technology, especially through use of the internet. The courses are run by volunteer seniors for seniors in an enjoyable and personal environment. The Seniornet website lists the services on offer, including contact details for the many learning centres throughout New Zealand.