Minister Brown welcomes the first reading of the Social Assistance Bill by the New Zealand Parliament
The Cook Islands Government welcomed the first reading of the Social Assistance Bill by the New Zealand Parliament earlier this week.
The Bill will, if passed, would allow Cook Islanders who have lived in New Zealand for ten years, at least five after the age of 50, to return to the Cook Islands to work after they've turned 55 but still be able to collect the New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's fund at age 65. The New Zealand Government have estimated this change will mean 245 people will become newly eligible when the bill is passed, this number likely increasing by an additional 16 people each year.
New Zealand Social Development Minister Anne Tolley, in speaking to the Bill articulated the change was restricted to the Cook Islands, Niue, and Tokelau in recognition of New Zealand's "close constitutional relationship, shared citizenship and unique legal arrangements" with realm countries like the Cook Islands.