Labour leader Chris Hipkins has defended using a generous publicly funded private superannuation scheme to pay off the mortgage of his family holiday home.

Hipkins confirmed he pays the maximum contribution, but he also contributes to KiwiSaver, meaning the full amount of contribution will not be paid towards the super scheme that owns his home.

MPs are allowed to direct these savings into private superannuation funds, which Hipkins has done.

Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further.

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