Call For Govt To Be More Generous Over Realm Islands Super

A law change to give greater portability of superannuation to the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau has made progress though there is a push to make it more generous.

The second reading of the Social Assistance (Portability to Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau) Bill was completed on a voice vote.

Under the Bill a person who has lived in New Zealand for 10 years, 5 being after the age of 50, will be able to return to these islands. When they turn 65 they can then apply for Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension.

All parties supported the bill, though Labour’s Potu Williams and others objected to the requirement to have lived in NZ for five years after they were 50 saying this was less than generous and would lead to less economic benefit to the islands. NZ First is promoting amendments on this issue arguing residents of the Realm Islands were New Zealanders and should be treated the same.

MPs began debating the first reading of the New Zealand Business Number Bill.

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