Return to New Zealand is delayed

If unexpected circumstances, beyond the client's control, prevent their return to New Zealand within 30 weeks, payment for the paydays that fall within the first 26 weeks of absence can be confirmed. The client must also either:

• return to New Zealand
• apply under a reciprocal agreement or
• apply for payment overseas

In no circumstances should payment continue beyond 26 weeks.

You will need to carefully investigate the circumstances that caused the delay. Circumstances beyond the control of the client would include (but are not limited to):

• aircraft breakdowns
• industrial disputes
• bereavement and
• illness/injury to the client, their partner or other relatives

You will need to find out whether or not travel arrangements were affected by such circumstances. Consider the following factors:

What were the booking arrangements before departure?

Was a return passage or flight within the allowable period arranged?

Could an earlier return have reasonably been expected despite the circumstances that arose?

When the extended absence was caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the client, payment can be confirmed for the pay days that fall within the first 26 weeks.

Note if the qualified client of a grandparented non-qualified couple is absent for more than 26 weeks, and is not entitled to payment for their absence, or any part of the absence, the grandparented non-qualified partner rate ends.