“Labour’s Taito Phillip Field knows darn well that National has delivered a very good policy to our Pacific Island people. Tomorrow portability of superannuation becomes a reality but amazingly Mr Field is trying to turn it into negative news,” said National MP Arthur Anae today.

“He knows that this National Party policy is a major win for Pacific Island people and he knows that it has been very warmly received throughout the Pacific, but sadly he can’t bring himself to give credit where it is due.

“It amazes me that the Opposition tries to claim portability as their own. If this is true why didn’t they introduce it before I was elected into Government. Over the years, Labour has had plenty of opportunities to legislate portability, but hasn’t. It is National who has delivered.”

Mr Anae said it is extremely satisfying to see the Superannuation Portability Bill become a reality. He is concerned, however, at what the Opposition would do with it if they ever got the chance to govern.

“Opposition members have said in the House that if they were in Government they would seriously consider amending the legislation. Their proposal is that to be eligible for the full Super entitlement you would need to be a New Zealand resident for 40 years.”

Labour’s Taito Phillip Field’s earlier private member’s bill stipulated 40 years, but the Government’s policy of 20 years was seen by most as twice as good.

“I’ve always believed that Pacific Island Kiwis deserve the right to take their Super back to the Islands if they opt to retire in the sun. Forty years though is too tough, especially considering the fact that very few Pacific Island people live beyond 65 years of age.”

The passing of the Bill means that from October 1, all Pacific Island people who have been resident in this country for 20 years (including at least five years after the age of 50) will get 100 percent of New Zealand Super and will be able to take it home to the Islands.

ENDS

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