# MP Profile: Simon Watts (National) **Party:** New Zealand National Party **Electorate:** North Shore **Parliament URL:** https://www.parliament.nz/en/mps-and-electorates/members-of-parliament/watts-simon/ _(Radware-blocked — inaccessible via automated scraping)_ **Current Roles:** - Minister of Revenue - Minister of Local Government **Relevance to Seniors:** 🔴 **HIGH** — _Revenue portfolio controls tax settings affecting NZ Super, KiwiSaver, retirement savings, and pensioner tax credits. Local Government portfolio covers rates rebates, council services for seniors, and local infrastructure for ageing populations._ --- ## Public Background Simon Watts has represented the North Shore electorate since 2020 (list MP 2020–2023, electorate MP since 2023). He has a background in business and finance — he worked as an investment banker, corporate finance professional, and served as a territorial force officer. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Master of Business Administration. Before becoming a minister, Watts served as National's Revenue spokesperson. As Minister of Revenue, he oversees Inland Revenue (IRD), tax policy settings, and the legislative framework for NZ Superannuation taxation, KiwiSaver, and retirement income products. His Local Government portfolio gives him oversight of council funding, rates rebates, and local infrastructure — all directly relevant to seniors on fixed incomes in areas with rising rates and demand for age-friendly local services. --- ## Public Positions Relevant to Older New Zealanders | Policy Area | Stated Position / Activity | | ----------------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | **NZ Super Taxation** | Tax settings for NZ Superannuation — PAYE treatment, tax thresholds for superannuitants, tax credits for pensioners. | | **KiwiSaver Settings** | KiwiSaver contribution rates, withdrawal rules (including first-home withdrawal and retirement access), and default provider settings — under Revenue portfolio oversight. | | **Tax Treatment of Retirement Income** | Taxation of foreign superannuation transfers, annuity income, and investment returns for retired persons. | | **Pensioner Tax Credits** | Independent Earner Tax Credit and other tax credits — eligibility for superannuitants with part-time work income. | | **Rates Rebate Scheme** | Local Government portfolio — Rates Rebate Scheme for lower-income homeowners (many of whom are seniors). Rebate thresholds and accessibility determine uptake. | | **Council Services for Seniors** | Local Government oversight of community services — libraries, community centres, senior citizen facilities, and public transport concessions funded by councils. | | **Age-Friendly Council Policies** | Portfolio influence over local government support for age-friendly communities, footpaths, public seating, and accessible public spaces. | | **Infrastructure for Ageing Populations** | Council infrastructure planning for growing senior populations — health facilities, public transport, housing intensification, footpath maintenance. | | **Three Waters / Water Services** | Local Government portfolio has oversight of water services reform — affects cost of water for seniors / retirement villages. | --- ## Voting & Bill Relevance - **Taxation (NZ Superannuation) Bills:** Any changes to tax treatment of NZ Super, surcharge reintroduction, or threshold adjustments. - **KiwiSaver Amendment Bills:** Contribution settings, withdrawal rules, first-home withdrawal (seniors helping grandchildren buy homes), and retirement age access. - **Local Government (Rates Rebates) Amendment Bills:** Threshold changes to the Rates Rebate Scheme — eligibility and maximum rebate amounts. - **Local Government (Water Services) Bills:** Water services reform — costs for residential properties and retirement villages. - **Taxation (Annual Rates) Bills:** Annual tax legislation including retirement income provisions. - **Income Tax Act Amendments:** Foreign superannuation transfer rules affecting returning NZ expat seniors. --- ## Business Implications - **KiwiSaver Providers:** Regulatory settings for retirement savings products — contribution rates, default providers, and withdrawal rules affect fund flows and product design. - **Retirement Village Operators:** Rates rebate eligibility for village residents — Council rates charged to village operators pass through to residents. - **Financial Advisers & Planners:** Retirement income tax settings, KiwiSaver advice, and reverse mortgage regulation. - **Banking Sector:** Retirement savings products, term deposits, and investment products for seniors — tax treatment affects product competitiveness. - **Local Councils:** Rates Rebate administration, senior services funding, infrastructure planning for ageing populations. - **Superannuation Funds:** Tax treatment of PIE funds, KiwiSaver schemes, and managed funds for retirees. --- ## Campaign Relevance - **North Shore Electorate:** Safe National seat with high proportion of senior voters (retirees in Devonport, Takapuna, Milford, Glenfield). Cost of living, rates, and tax are top local issues. - **Cost of Living for Seniors:** Tax settings and rates rebates directly affect seniors' cost of living — a key 2026 election issue. - **Local Government Performance:** Local government reform, water services, and rates settings impact older homeowners on fixed incomes. - **Revenue Portfolio Profile:** Watts has a high-profile portfolio with direct connection to every senior's household budget. - **2026 Election:** Tax cuts, rates relief, and KiwiSaver policy will feature in National's seniors election platform. --- ## Source List - Beehive.govt.nz — Revenue announcements, Local Government - Parliament.nz — MP profile _(Radware-blocked)_ - Inland Revenue (IRD) — Tax policy, NZ Super tax settings, KiwiSaver regulations - Department of Internal Affairs — Rates Rebate Scheme, local government policy - Ministry of Housing and Urban Development — Housing for seniors - Official Hansard — Revenue estimates, Local Government estimates, Question Time - New Zealand National Party — Tax and local government policy - NZ Herald, RNZ — Tax policy and rates coverage --- _Profile last updated: June 2026_