Since 1898, NZ has provided some kind of payment to older people, but the cost has increased with an ageing population. In 2001, the Super Fund was set up to save for superannuation in the future, but government payments into the fund have been suspended since 2009.

Income is typically taxed on a progressive scale, so the more you earn the greater proportion you pay in tax. A range of things can affect this equation, including Working For Families, which provides payments to some people with children.

The government pays benefits for disability, unemployment, single parents and other groups whose incomes aren’t enough on their own. This election the question of the adequacy of benefits, and the fairness of the conditions attached to them, has come to the fore for the first time in a while.

While your boss may decide how much you get paid, the government sets the rules by setting the minimum wage, working conditions and how much leave you’re entitled to. Another issue is gender pay equity. Following a large settlement with care and disability workers, the government has started reforms which some say will put an end to future gender pay equity settlements.