NZ policy allows Islanders to retire back home

GROWING political power has produced a big reward for New Zealand’s Pacific Island population. In a sudden policy change the New Zealand Government now says that any Pacific Islander who has lived in the country for 20 years or more can retire to their home land and continue to receive their full superannuation payments.

It is likely to be a boost for a number of Pacific economies, but that was not the reason for its sudden introduction.

What has changed is the New Zealand electoral system which has given minority populations, such as Pacific Islanders at around three percent of the population, considerable clout.

It is the same for Maori and even for the newer groups like Indo- Fijians, Indians and Taiwanese.

This year New Zealand faces a general election and the Pacific vote is vital for who ever wants to run the country.

Prime Minister Jenny Shipley used her State of the Nation address to Parliament to announce the new scheme, saying her government

wanted “fairness in retirement for those who have contributed signif icantly to our economy and society over their lifetime.

Many Pacific Island people who have spent much of their work ing life here would love to be able to return to their homes in retire ment.”

From October 1 this year a Pacific Islander who had lived here 20 years or more (and including five years after the age of 50) will be able to collect full superannuation back in their homeland.

“It’s pro-family and it’s good for both New Zealand and the Pacific Island countries. It acknowledges our special relationship with the Pacific.”

The countries involved are American Samoa, Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Islands, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Wallis and Futuna. ■