Ageing Immigrants Add To Taxpayer Burden
New Zealand First has asked the Government why it has allowed permanent residence to 14,854 people between the age of 50
and 102 over the past three years.
Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters today pointed out that the Government already spent $100 million annually on benefits for
immigrants, refugees and asylum-seekers.
He said that bringing in so many older people would add substantially to this figure because of health and
superannuation costs.
“We have not established a viable pension scheme in this country to support our own elderly citizens who have worked and
paid taxes all their lives, yet the Government is bringing in thousands of older people who will claim a pension after
contributing little or nothing.
“They will also be a burden on our shaky public health system because it is an established fact that people require
extra health care as they grow older.
“Many of these immigrants are obviously here because of the family re-unification scheme. It is clear that this policy
should be reviewed.
“We admire the spirit of a 102 year old starting off a new life in New Zealand, but we seriously dispute how this person
brings diversity and dynamism to our society - or does a 102 year old replace five 20 year olds who have left this
country?” asked Mr Peters.