Return to New Zealand

When a client is getting a New Zealand benefit or pension in Australia and returns to New Zealand for a temporary period, payment of the New Zealand benefit will continue to be paid at the same rate as when they were living in Australia. This is because the client will not be considered as ordinarily resident in New Zealand.

When a client getting a New Zealand benefit or pension in Australia returns to live permanently in New Zealand, their benefit can be reviewed from the date of return to New Zealand.

If a client living in Australia moves back to New Zealand on or after 1 July 2017, they will qualify for New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension at age 65 provided they can meet the New Zealand residence requirements. They can only count their Australian residence towards these requirements under the Agreement if they have met the qualifying age for the Australian Age Pension. If they do not have the required New Zealand residence, they will qualify for New Zealand Superannuation or Veteran's Pension when they have either accumulated this or reached the qualifying age for the Australian Age Pension under the 2017 Agreement.

If a client returns to New Zealand for more than 26 weeks they should contact MSD. They should be asked to complete a personal statement confirming the:

• date they left Australia
• date they intend to return to Australia

If their intention is to live in New Zealand they should be asked for the following:

• verification of their New Zealand bank account
• verification of their Inland Revenue number (if not already recorded)

The client will need to contact Services Australia - International Services to advise them of their intention to live in New Zealand.

For more information contact International Services.