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The Cook Islands values its special relationship with New Zealand and will continue to regard the country as an important development partner, says Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate.
“Our close ties with New Zealand are highly valued by government and people of the Cook Islands.”
Speaking in response to recent comments made by government Leader of the House MP John Tangi, Sir Terepai says those comments should be regarded as personal views and “do not in any way reflect the position of government.”
“It is unfortunate that the member is possibly not aware of the Democratic Party government policy of encouraging New Zealand retirees to come to the Cook Islands, bring their pensions and stay for periods of six months to a year.”
The Democrat manifesto reads; “In an effort to reciprocate the benefits granted by New Zealand where our people have free entry and access to all the privileges of citizenship in New Zealand, the Cook Islands will grant extended residence permits (not work) for New Zealand retired citizens who wish to reside temporarily in the Cook Islands provided that they have sufficient financial support. This will create more demand for the house rental market which our people could provide.”
Sir Terepai says allowing retirees to live temporarily here is not a new policy and has “been mentioned to New Zealand MP’s and Minister’s, it’s been floated around for some time.”
He explained that the ability of NZ retirees to collect their full pension while living in the Cook Islands is one issue that needs to be discussed with the New Zealand government.
“Portability of full pensions is naturally an issue that retirees wanting to come here want to be assured of,” says Sir Terepai.
“The idea is for retirees to come here and really enjoy their stay and not to repeatedly extend their stay, but live here for periods between six months to a year.”
In respect of the New Zealand/AusAid harmonization aid programme and cyclone recovery and reconstruction package of approximately $14 million a year to the Cook Islands, Sir Terepai says government acknowledges New Zealand’s contribution to the scheme and “we are grateful for this assistance.”
“By the same token, I am sure the New Zealand government appreciates the contribution of over $157 million we make to the New Zealand economy through imports.”
Source: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
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