Pension Forum: New Zealand Superannuation and Overseas Pensions: Issues and Principles for Reform

Presented by the Retirement Policy Research Centre in association with the Human Rights Commission.

When: 1pm to 5pm, Wednesday 24 February 2010
Where: Case Room 3, level 0, Owen G. Glenn Building, The University of Auckland, 12 Grafton Road, Auckland.

The Forum:
Abatement of their overseas retirement pensions has caused distress for many New Zealand immigrants, as expressed in complaints to the Human Rights Commission (HRC), the Courts, the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), the Retirement Policy and Research Centre (RPRC), the embassies of the countries in which the pensions originate, and in the media.

The HRC has assisted in funding the RPRC to produce research on the historical and current legislative and policy frameworks surrounding entitlement to and abatement of New Zealand Superannuation (NZS). The 2-07 paper surveys complaints of unfair treatment; and critiques the latest official reports and current policy in light of these complaints. The 1-09 paper analyses how the principles governing the pension structures in different countries are communicated and perceived. The 2-09 paper suggests a policy framework based on principles of equity; transparency; sustainability; economic efficiency; and administrative simplicity. It also suggests options for enduring and appropriate policies for treatment of overseas pensions given rapid population ageing and increased global integration.

These policy options, which are also set out in the Executive Summary of the working paper, are to be debated at the Forum. 

Copies of aforementioned Working Papers are available here.

To register, please use the form in the menu on the left.  

For more information contact Dr M.Claire Dale, Research Associate, Retirement Policy and Research Centre, phone +64 9 923 6968 or email: m.dale@auckland.ac.nz

Or visit the Retirement Policy and Research Centre website.