How does the social insurance system work in New Zealand?

Question

Hello I'm from Germany and I have to work out a presentation about New Zealand's social insurance/security system.

There isn't a lot of information on the internet so I want to ask people living there directly: YOU!

I really really need your help: What do you pay, what do you get, which role does the governement play and so on. Or which kinds of insurances do exist there?

I thank you for every single information!!

Answer 1

I would suggest you go to www.winz.govt.nz which is "Work and Income New Zealand".

They administer most of the social security benefits such as unemployment benefits, superannuation, sickness and other such benefits (refugees, war pensions, youth benefit).

When you look at the site you will see a link to "assistance". Click on that and it will open a brief summary page. To the right of the page is the menu for you to check.

We also have "ACC" which is the accident compensation scheme.  It provides 'no fault' personal injury cover. What this means is if you are in an accident in NZ, you do not need to prove someones fault but it also means you can't sue that person for 'damages'. ACC is paid for by a few different ways - employees pay a small amount, the employer pays a small amount, self employed people also pay.