The new residence criteria for New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super) and Veteran's Pension affect people turning 65 from 1 July 2024.
If you're getting NZ Super or Veteran's Pension before 1 July 2024, these changes won't affect you.
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New residence criteria
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To get NZ Super or Veteran's Pension you must have lived in NZ for a certain amount of time. This is gradually increasing from 10 years to 20 years.
The number of years you must have lived in NZ since you turned 20 is based on your date of birth. You still need to have lived in NZ for at least 5 years since you turned 50.
These years (including the 5 years from age 50) do not need to be consecutive.
Use the table below to work this out:
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Date of birth
Number of years you must have lived in NZ since you turned 20
On or before 30 June 1959 10 years
1 July 1959 - 30 June 1961 11 years
1 July 1961 - 30 June 1963 12 years
1 July 1963 - 30 June 1965 13 years
1 July 1965 - 30 June 1967 14 years
1 July 1967 - 30 June 1969 15 years
1 July 1969 - 30 June 1971 16 years
1 July 1971 - 30 June 1973 17 years
1 July 1973 - 30 June 1975 18 years
1 July 1975 - 30 June 1977 19 years
On or after 1 July 1977 20 years
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If you haven't lived in NZ the whole time, you may be able to use another country to meet the residency criteria if:
it is a country that has a Social Security Agreement (SSA) with NZ, or
it is a NZ Realm country (the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau).
If you're recognised as a refugee or protected person, the number of years you need is worked out differently.
Other criteria you need to meet
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As well as meeting the residence criteria, you also need to:
be 65 or older
either:
be a New Zealand (NZ) citizen
be a permanent resident, or
hold a residence class visa, and
be ordinarily resident in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau when you apply.
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www.workandincome.govt.nz...
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The Influence of the Whānau - Day 9
In a small Māori pā (village) nestled beside a flowing river, a young boy named Rangi lived with his whānau. Rangi was curious and adventurous, always exploring the ngahere (forest) and listening to the stories of his kaumātua (elders). The kaumātua would often remind him, “He waka eke noa”—we are all in this together, and our actions affect the collective.
Rangi's best friend, Manu, was a clever boy but sometimes made poor choices. Manu had recently begun spending time with a group of older boys from another pā who were known for their reckless behavior. They would waste kai (food), leave rubbish in the ngahere, and even disturb the sacred awa (river) by throwing stones at eels.
One day, Manu invited Rangi to join the group, saying, “Come on, Rangi! They’re fun, and they won’t hurt anyone. We’re just having a good time!” Unsure, Rangi agreed, feeling pressure to fit in.
The group’s leader, Matiu, proposed a game: they would sneak into the kaumātua's kumara patch at night and take some for a "feast." Rangi hesitated. He remembered the kaumātua saying how much work went into growing the kumara, with karakia (prayers) and care for the soil. But he stayed silent, feeling outnumbered.
That night, the group raided the garden. As they laughed and ate the stolen kumara by the fire, Rangi felt uneasy. He realized that this was not who he wanted to be. When he saw Manu’s joy in impressing Matiu, Rangi felt torn but remained quiet.
The next morning, the kaumātua discovered the missing kumara and the trampled garden. They called the entire pā together, expressing sadness, not anger. “Our ancestors teach us that the whenua (land) provides for all of us, but only if we treat it with respect,” said one elder. “When we harm the whenua, we harm ourselves.”
Rangi’s heart sank. That evening, he confessed to the kaumātua and his whānau, explaining everything. To his surprise, they did not scold him harshly. Instead, they said, “He tangata tītoki, he tangata rākau—a person is like a tree; they grow straight when supported by others. You must choose companions who uphold the values of your whānau and whenua.”
Rangi decided to distance himself from Manu’s new group and instead spent time with those who respected the land and upheld the teachings of their ancestors. Over time, he encouraged Manu to rejoin him, and together they worked to rebuild the kumara patch, learning from the kaumātua.
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Moral
This story highlights the importance of right company and like-mindedness. It shows that no one is inherently bad, but the influence of others and the situations we choose can lead us astray. Surrounding ourselves with those who uphold values like respect, care, and collective well-being ensures a life of balance and harmony.
Ka mua, ka muri — by learning from the past, we can walk into the future.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.1% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Today’s Riddle – Can You Outsmart Your Neighbours?
First you eat me, then you get eaten. What am I?
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