Election 2026: NZ First superannuation policy would limit payments to New Zealand citizens
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has proposed a policy to restrict New Zealand Superannuation eligibility to citizens only starting in 2029. The party argues this is necessary to ensure economic fairness and reduce the fiscal burden of migration.
Why it matters
Signals a shift in political discourse regarding social welfare eligibility and the economic impact of immigration policies.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has announced a campaign policy that from 2029, only New Zealand citizens will be eligible for New Zealand Superannuation. Photo / RNZ, Samuel Rillstone
New Zealand First has announced a policy to stop superannuation from blowing out by limiting eligibility criteria to New Zealand citizens only.
NZ First leader Winston Peters announced the new policy in Hamilton today, saying the campaign was about “economic fairness” and “putting New Zealanders first”.
Under current settings, people don’t have to be a New Zealand citizen or hold permanent residency to access superannuation payments. Only a resident visa is needed.
“How have we come to a point of having no value or meaning of being a New Zealand citizen?” Peters asked.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in