NZ Super reforms for migrants take a step closer to becoming law stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
She tells
Photo: 123RF
The bill concerns eligibility for superannuation and has been before a select committee. The orginal target was migrants, but it affects a wider group than that, Wrightson says. People living or working overseas need to be back in the country five years before super payments start at the age of 65.
Jane Wrightson
Photo: supplied This bill is proposing to raise that [to 10 years] and my main concern is that the timeframe is very quick, and the thing about pension policy is that any changes should be implemented very slowly indeed because people can t plan properly.
She used the example of people who may have left New Zealand to work overseas for many years and returned at 60 to be eligible at 65 for their super, however, if they are 63 on 30 June this year they will have to wait an extra year before being eligible.
Cameron Burnell/Fairfax NZ
MPs considering the ‘Fair Residency’ bill have accepted it would be unfair on recent, older migrants to lift the period they must wait for NZ Super from 10 to 20 years without phasing it in over a number of years.
MPs have accepted it would be unfair to make older migrants already in New Zealand wait until they are in their 70s or 80s to get NZ Super. The New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income (Fair Residency) Amendment Bill is being considered by MPs. There are concerns it is unfair that migrants can qualify for full NZ Super after just 10 years.
Migrant community get inhumane pensions bill watered down stuff.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from stuff.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.