Grateful for support of NZ MP

Rarotonga resident Les Priest, who has lobbied for changes to the New Zealand pension system for many years, says NZ First leader Winston Peters has always championed the cause of Cook Islanders and New Zealanders, who would normally qualify for NZ superannuation, having worked and paid taxes in NZ for 20 years or more (after the age of 20). ‘However, these people were unable to access the pension unless they left New Zealand to settle in or return to the Cooks after the age of 55.

Rarotonga resident Les Priest, who has lobbied for changes to the New Zealand pension system for many years, says NZ First leader Winston Peters has always championed the cause of Cook Islanders and New Zealanders, who would normally qualify for NZ superannuation, having worked and paid taxes in NZ for 20 years or more (after the age of 20). ‘However, these people were unable to access the pension unless they left New Zealand to settle in or return to the Cooks after the age of 55.