Auckland (The NZ Today)
New Zealand First’s proposal to make NZ Superannuation available only to citizens from 2029 has sparked debate among migrant communities and academics.
The party says the change is needed to protect the future affordability of superannuation, with leader Winston Peters arguing taxpayers should not fund full retirement payments for people who have spent fewer years contributing to New Zealand.
Under current rules, both residents and permanent residents can qualify for NZ Super if they meet residency requirements.
Some migrants have questioned the proposal, saying long-term residents who have worked, paid taxes and built their lives in New Zealand could be affected.
Asian Family Services chief executive Kelly Feng said the policy could create challenges for families and communities, while Asian Network Incorporated chief executive Vishal Rishi said many migrants make significant commitments when settling in New Zealand.
University of Auckland economics academic Susan St John questioned whether a citizenship requirement would deliver major savings, saying existing residency rules were already strict.
She said NZ Super had traditionally been based on residency rather than citizenship.
Massey University professor Paul Spoonley said the proposal would represent a significant change to New Zealand’s immigration approach.
NZ First says the policy is about fairness and ensuring the sustainability of the retirement system as the population ages.
Source: RNZ, NZ First policy announcement.
