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Peters blames older immigrants for threat to super

Published: 6:14PM Sunday June 17, 2012 Source: ONE News

Winston Peters is not willing to raise the eligibility age for superannuation and now he claims older immigrants are the real threat to the scheme.

The New Zealand First leader was speaking at the party's conference in Palmerston North today.

There were plenty of cheers for Peters ahead of a speech that for anyone else would have been considered out of left field.

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"A young couple from China, where there is a limit on family size, can bring in four elderly parents who don't have to work here in the 10 years before they turn 65, yet they will all receive full New Zealand super," he said.

Combining his pet dislikes - immigration and superannuation changes - Peters says there are 22,000 immigrants who have not contributed to the economy, yet claim the pension.

"Those figures come from a very senior Chinese source plus some research group in the Chinese community who got them for me," he told a news conference.

Peters says New Zealand should really be debating eligibility rules - but not the one that lets those over 65, like him, claim a pension and keep working.

"I have a problem with people who come and get super who have made no contribution and where there's no reciprocal arrangement with their government to support the New Zealand taxpayer," he told reporters.

Peters told the conference crowd that any talk of superannuation changes are just an attack on the elderly that are dressed up as fiscal responsibility.

That includes Labour's policy to raise the age of eligibility for the pension from 2020.

Asked whether New Zealand First would enter into a coalition with Labour in 2014, Peters said, "The answer is no, but you know we are not going to compromise our policy based on our record."

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