Retirement Life
4 June 2026
Turning Super into social good
When Liz Greive reached retirement, she realised she didn’t need her NZ Superannuation payments and made the decision to found the charity Share My Super, so others could join her in helping Kiwi kids living in poverty. She shares how she came to set it up and what retirement looks like for her now.
Tell us a little about your background and how Share My Super came to be.
I was born in the Lake District post WWII, and although there was still rationing, almost everyone had enough to eat - except for two young girls I remember, whose father had died of tuberculosis. They seemed pitifully thin and never seemed to have enough clothing to keep them warm. That was my first exposure to kids who were going without.
I later trained as a social worker in Chester and in London. My children went to a school where there were 180 different nationalities, so we had a massive exposure to different people and cultures.
In the late 1970s I came to New Zealand and began work as a social worker, principally in South Auckland, working with a lot of Māori and Polynesian families. It was so rich and rewarding to learn about their cultures. And one person could actually bring in enough money to feed, clothe and house a family.
Then when I was offered my superannuation at age 65, I realised it would not make any difference to my life. However, it would make an enormous difference to families living in poverty. So I decided to found Share my Super.
How much could you get a fortnight with Lifetime Home?
How is Share My Super funded?
I did not want to clip the ticket - the only way I could do that was if I funded Share my Super in its entirety, which is what I do.
So I have set up a foundation and endowed $10 million. It brings in enough money to fund Share my Super in perpetuity.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Every day is different. As I’m currently based in Spain, sometimes it’s calls into New Zealand, dealing with whatever is coming up overnight.
When I'm in New Zealand, I spend a few hours dealing with interviews, governance and connecting with charities, such as meetings with Women’s Refuge and Wellington City Mission.
I also have two children and six grandchildren, and they take up a very joyful amount of my day.
What are you most proud of?
I don't know that pride comes into it really. I would prefer to use the word heartening. It’s when I see the number of retirees who have stepped up, with incredible generosity, donating. There’s so much bad news out there, but my faith in humanity is strong and uplifted by this generosity.
What keeps you up at night?
I am appalled when I go into primary schools and see children who do not have enough to eat. Compared to 40 or 45 years ago, you now see these parents, holding down two jobs and there is still not enough money. That keeps me awake at night.
Who inspires you?
I'm a massive fan of Dame Cindy Kiro. She is a really hard working Governor General and an enormously impressive human being. I am also very impressed with a number of our CEOs.
What advice would you give your younger self about retirement?
Don't expect to sit on your laurels. Expect to be busy and have a varied life, because you've still got a huge amount to give. Life can have enormous purpose as you age.
What do you enjoy most about retirement?
Principally it's the joy of family and connection and the purpose of Share my Super.
What feels most important at this stage of life?
At the grand old age of 65 I took on this mission and how passionate I am about it. It has taken me to places outside my comfort zone. It has really surprised me how important it is to have purpose as we go through this rich tapestry of life.
Project your retirement income.
Written by:
Sonia Speedy
Sonia Speedy has been a journalist for over 20 years, working in newspapers, magazines and radio. She also runs an online platform for parents at familytimes.co.nz. She lives on the Kāpiti Coast with her young family and loves writing stories that help make people's lives easier.
Invest with Lifetime for a retirement income managed for living.