The Labour Party leader's suggestion of cutting the pension for those who continue to work after the age of 65 is tantamount to means testing, according to a group advocating for the elderly.

Grey Power's comments came after the Andrew Little said the rising superannuation costs demanded attention.

"I don't think we can avoid looking at it when you look at the growing cost of superannuation - like 2018, over $15 billion a year and by 2030, [it's] $30 billion a year," Little said at a pre-Budget business breakfast.

Grey Power national president Terry King argued the rising costs weren't the fault of the superannuates, and instead claimed it was because previous governments had "wasted money".

"It's important that people understand that national superannuation was not a benefit," emphasised King.

"It's an entitlement which most recipients have paid into for 50 years of their working lives. It's theirs by right, not by privilege or charity."

Little's comments are sure to scare those entering the twilight of their working careers. According to a 2007 report from the Department of Labour, people aged between 50-64 represent 25 percent of New Zealand's workforce.

King's comments echoed those of Prime Minister John Key, who has previously labelled Labour's proposal as "unfortunate" for those workers.

Key stated around 30 percent of those who were drawing the pension were working, and he believed they're entitled to the fund.

"For a lot of them - the lowest income New Zealanders with the least amount of savings - the combination of some work, maybe part time or in some cases full time, and their pensions gives them a much nicer lifestyle than retirement."