New Zealand's Minister for Social Development, Carmel Sepuloni, says 174 people in the New Zealand realm countries currently qualify for NZ Superannuation under changes put through parliament this week.
Carmel Sepuloni Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
But she said the numbers will grow.
The new bill said New Zealand citizens in Niue, the Cook Islands and Tokelau qualify for the New Zealand Super or the Veterans Pension if they have lived in New Zealand for 10 years past the age of 20.
Ms Sepuloni said earlier modifying of the rules didn't result in many taking it up but she says the latest changes should have a significant impact and help the realm countries stem de-population.
"They have contributed here in New Zealand and I think for that we are very grateful as a government but in terms of actually being supportive of people going back to be able to contribute to realm island countries I think that is something that makes sense to us as a government, and that we were supportive off before we got into government and now we are making happen."
