Introduction
The Special Portability Arrangement allows people getting New Zealand Superannuation and Veteran's Pension in their own right to live and get their payments in certain Pacific countries.
Clients must meet the Special Portability qualifications as well as the New Zealand Superannuation or Veterans Pension qualifications.
The rate of payment is between 50% and 100% of the gross rate of New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension.
The rate depends on the number of years the client has lived in New Zealand since they turned 20.
Pacific countries covered by Special Portability
American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Pitcairn Island, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis and Futuna.
Special rules for the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau
Client's living in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau can apply for Special Portability and New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension from these countries.
They can apply for both at the same time.
Other clients must apply for New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension first, and Special Portability before leaving New Zealand.
May qualify for General Portability instead
Clients who do not qualify for Special Portability may qualify for General Portability.
International Services processes all applications and will look at what type of portability the client qualifies for.
For more information see:
Legislation
- Specified Pacific country section 30 New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001
- Entitlement to be paid New Zealand superannuation in specified Pacific country section 31 New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001
- Entitlement to be paid veteran's pension in specified Pacific country section 191 Veterans' Support Act 2014
- Specified Pacific countries schedule 2 New Zealand Superannuation and Retirement Income Act 2001
- Specified Pacific countries schedule 3 Veterans' Support Act 2014
