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The Maori Party has joined the government in voting down amendments that would have made new pension provisions for people returning to the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau more generous.
The Social Assistance Bill will mean people from what are known as the realm islands who have lived in New Zealand for 10 years can then apply for Superannuation or Veteran’s Pension when they turn 65 even if they are living back in the islands.
New Zealand First argued that requiring five of those years to be after 50 was less generous and would lead to less economic benefit to the islands.
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