A leader in pensions is now a laggard

NEW Zealand was a world leader in instituting social security for its citizens. It started paying oldage pensions in 1898 and was one of the first countries in the world to do so.

When a New Zealander reaches the age of 65, he or she is eligible for the OAP or superannuation, which is currently $1654 per month.

But, there’s a catch — a person can receive the pension only if he or she resides in New Zealand. Leave the country for any length of time and your pension dries up.

Why, I wonder?

It’s as if they’re saying: ‘‘Get on back to Godzone if you want to get a pension. Big Brother knows what’s best for you.’’

The UK doesn’t do it, the US doesn’t do it, Canada doesn’t do it, Australia doesn’t do it.

I have lived and worked in New Zealand for most of my life; nary a blot on my record, never fell afoul of the law, always paid my taxes, never even folded over the page corner of a library book.

When I turned 65 I had earned the right to collect the pension. I did so for some time, then moved to Vietnam where the climate is better suited to my body than New Zealand’s climate.

I received my pension for 26 weeks, then on week 27 the payments stopped.

Now what gives the New Zealand Government the right to dictate to a person where he or she lives for the rest of his or her life? Surely it’s the pensioner’s right to decide that?

Don Wills

Vietnam

Roadshow expense

I THINK $100,000 is a considerable sum of taxpayers’ money for a road trip to show voters what Opposition leader Simon Bridges thinks they are missing.

Ten percent poll support for Mr Bridges as preferred prime minister is underwhelming. Harry Kerr

Brighton ...................................

BIBLE READING: My beloved is mine, and I am his. — Song of Solomon 2:16.