Te Mana Ahungarua Retirement Commissioner

David brings extensive experience across retirement savings, financial wellbeing, and public policy, spanning both the public and private sectors. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping New Zealanders build financial security for retirement. 

Before his appointment, David was General Manager KiwiSaver at Fisher Funds. Earlier in his career, he played a key role in the establishment of KiwiSaver during its early development at ING, helping shape one of New Zealand’s most important retirement savings initiatives.  

David has previously worked at Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission, where he contributed to initiatives to improve financial wellbeing, supported monitoring of the retirement villages sector, and led the early development of the Sorted in Schools financial education programme. 

David is passionate about improving financial outcomes for New Zealanders and supporting people to take practical steps towards a more secure retirement. 

The Retirement Commissioner provides independent leadership and advice to support the long‑term financial wellbeing of New Zealanders. 

The role was first established under the Retirement Income Act 1993 and is continued under the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001, which sets out the Commissioner’s functions, powers and duties. The Retirement Commissioner is appointed by the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and is an Autonomous Crown Entity under the Crown Entities Act 2004. 

Under its legal mandate, the Retirement Commissioner fulfils functions under the New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001 and certain functions under the Retirement Villages Act 2003, including: 

• Leading and coordinating the National Strategy for Financial Capability, working with government, community and private sector stakeholders to improve the financial capability and financial wellbeing of New Zealanders of all ages. 
• Reviewing and reporting to the Minister of Commerce every three years on the effectiveness of retirement income policies implemented by government. 
• Monitoring the effects of retirement villages legislation, administering the retirement villages disputes process, and appointing members to disputes panels as vacancies arise.