A New Zealand opposition MP has welcomed planned changes to pension portability but he says the way pensions are to be paid is still unfair to the people of Niue, the Cook Islands and Tokelau.
An adult who has lived in New Zealand for 10 years, with 5 of those being after the age of 50, qualifies for the Superannuation or Veteran's Pension but the legislation ensures they do not need to return to New Zealand at the age of 65 to register.
But Labour's Su'a William Sio says there should be no restrictions at all.
"If they are resident in the Cook Islands, in Niue and in Tokelau, is that not part of the realm of New Zealand? Are they still required to be resident here for the sake of meeting the old criteria, which doesn't change at all."
Su'a William Sio says he hopes submissions are made to the select committee on this matter
