The premier of Niue has withdrawn his island's support for changes to the New Zealand pension portability scheme.
Niue Premier Sir Toke Talagi, speaking at the official opening ceremony of the island's 5th Arts and Cultural Festival 2017 Photo: RNZI Indira Stewart
The New Zealand government announced last month it had plans to improve access to pensions for people in the realm countries of Niue, the Cook Islands and Tokelau.
Under the current scheme people need to live and work in New Zealand for at least five years past the age of 50 but New Zealand Foreign Minister, Winston Peters, announced the government is looking at ending this requirement.
Sir Toke Talagi, along with other Pacific leaders, had been asking for this but on Facebook he said it would encourage young people to leave the island.
He said he had written to Mr Peters withdrawing Niue's initial support.