Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Ageing Immigrants Add To Taxpayer Burden


Ageing Immigrants Add To Taxpayer Burden

New Zealand First has asked the Government why it has allowed permanent residence to 14,854 people between the age of 50 and 102 over the past three years.

Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters today pointed out that the Government already spent $100 million annually on benefits for immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers.

He said that bringing in so many older people would add substantially to this figure because of health and superannuation costs.

“We have not established a viable pension scheme in this country to support our own elderly citizens who have worked and paid taxes all their lives, yet the Government is bringing in thousands of older people who will claim a pension after contributing little or nothing.

“They will also be a burden on our shaky public health system because it is an established fact that people require extra health care as they grow older.

“Many of these immigrants are obviously here because of the family re-unification scheme. It is clear that this policy should be reviewed.

“We admire the spirit of a 102 year old starting off a new life in New Zealand, but we seriously dispute how this person brings diversity and dynamism to our society - or does a 102 year old replace five 20 year olds who have left this country?” asked Mr Peters.


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.