Citizens Miss Out But Full NZ Super an Easy Path for Immigrants

New Zealand First wants a law change so Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau residents are not required to live five years over the age of 50 in New Zealand to be eligible for NZ Super.

“The matter can be solved with a simple exemption from Section 8(c) in the Social Assistance (Portability to Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau) Bill 2014,” says New Zealand First Leader and Member of Parliament for Northland Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau residents are New Zealand citizens. They should not miss out on getting NZ Super while immigrants from other countries receive full NZ Super.

“The only requirement for immigrants is they have lived in New Zealand for 10 years after the age of 50. They may never have paid taxes here. There are over 70,00 already who have qualified in this manner. What has the Ministry of Social Development to say about this? Nothing.

“On the other hand, residents of the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau have worked for up to 30 years in New Zealand, are now being denied NZ Super.

“This is plainly unfair. Our citizens should not miss out,” says Mr Peters.

Mr Peters spoke on his Supplementary Order Paper to exempt the three countries from Section 8 (c ) in the Bill to Parliament last night.

ENDS

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