Auckland, August 17, 2020
Editor’s Note: The following letter is an unsolicited contribution from an Indian Newslink reader. As a newspaper which provides a platform for diverse views from diverse people, we remain open to our readers without bias or prejudice. The views expressed hereunder are not ours.
Dear Prime Minister
At the outset, hearty congratulations to you on the way in which you have steered the Nation through this stressful pandemic, as well as during the heart-wrenching Christchurch killings.
I have lots of friends, living all over the world, who are willing to pay any price to come to live here, only because of you. People admire you for your leadership, and because you are not egotistic. You discuss, consult and accept the views and suggestions of your officials and all the others who help you run the country.
The reason for this email is to draw your intelligent and sensible attention to my plea.
We Indians have great connections with our home, our cultures, our morals, families and friends.
After 65, we are required to live in New Zealand at least for six months in a year to receive pension.
Plea for new legislation
I will be grateful if you would pass legislation to enable superannuants to return to their home country and continue to be eligible to receive their pension, until their death.
Doing so will accrue numerous benefits to the exchequer in terms of savings.
After 65, the chances of falling ill, hospitalisation, aftercare, nursing are high.
Anyone arguing that the pension would be spent here and the country would benefit by way of taxes is not are of harsh realities, since the amount of pension is low, compared to the cost of living and caring for an aged and sickly senior.
In addition, if the children of seniors are not looking after them, the State would be required to meet the high cost of funeral and other expenses of pensioners upon their death.
Written undertaking
Seniors returning to their home country could give an undertaking in writing that they would not be entitled to any free state-run facilities if they return to New Zealand and that they would take private insurance policies.
By allowing seniors to go back home with the assurance and comfort of New Zealand pension, would go a long way in fulfilling their desire of living their last days in their ancestral places and homes, surrounded by their kith and kin.
You would perhaps be the first Prime Minister of a developed country to have instilled family values and the respect and honour for parents.
You will unfailingly get the support and votes of all seniors.
John Peyton is a retired officer of the Indian Overseas Bank. He migrated to New Zealand in 2002. He lives in Auckland with his wife. Their son lives in Melbourne with his wife.
