Niue's High Commissioner to New Zealand, O'Love Jacobsen, says she welcomes changes to New Zealand pension portability expected to come into effect this year.
220414. Photo RNZ. Niue and New Zealand flag Photo: RNZ
The change will allow those wanting to retire in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau to go there 10 years earlier and remain eligible for the pension.
Mrs Jacobsen says it is a significant move because Niue struggles with a declining population and the changes will be a drawcard to Niueans thinking about returning home as they get older.
"It will encourage our people who are now working here and are skilled; they can go home and would enjoy having worked here, and paid their taxes here as well, and then when they return home, they would also be able to make application, and I think that's the beauty of it."
Mrs Jacobsen says there are some aspects of the bill that still need some clarification and she hopes the committee will confirm that the changes specifically apply only to the three Realm nations.