Richard Meadows

Iknow I’m not the only one who loves to sneak a glimpse at other people’s private financial lives. Unfortunately, we voyeurs rarely get the opportunity to peep: who in their right mind would share their financial situation with total strangers?

That’s why it’s fun to flip through the annual register of pecuniary interests, in which our MPs are compelled to disclose their financial interests and dealings.

Media coverage usually focuses on the tacky and wacky gifts received: fine Cuban cigars for Winston Peters, a signed photo of the Queen for Jacinda, Judith Collins scoring tickets to the tennis from no fewer than five (!) different schmoozers.

But there’s loads more meaningful information. Want to know which KiwiSaver provider Simon Bridges uses? (Milford), or how many properties the PM owns? (just one), or who Chris Hipkins’ mortgages are with? (Westpac). It’s all there.

I lost count, but our 120 MPs collectively own something like 300 properties. Their extensive interests include rental properties, commercial property, farms, sections, and communal Ma¯ ori titles.

I’m not seriously accusing politicians of deliberately fuelling the housing crisis out of naked self-interest. But it must be hard to maintain perspective when their position is so far removed from the average New Zealander.

Almost every single MP has a KiwiSaver account. This is not that surprising: unlike our measly 3 per cent employer matching, MPs draw a generous 20 per cent superannuation contribution from the taxpayer purse.

But we can at least follow their lead. KiwiSaver has many flaws, but you’d be a fool not to take advantage of its perks.