Kiwi Pension

[Mukdahan Mark]

Hello fellow Kiwis.

Can anyone please help me with my pension query?

I am 65 in August and living in Thailand the past 3 years.  I have looked at the pension registration form and it looks like I have to go back to submit required paperwork?

How much deduction should I expect to have for being overseas more than the allowed 26 weeks and being based in Thailand?

Should I tell them, perhaps it's best to keep stum?

Any advise / heads-up much appreciated

Cheers

[DrJack54]

Post edited. Email address removed

[KhunHeineken]

Looks like NZ have the physical presence and time based tax residency law.  183 days. 

 

https://www.ird.govt.nz/international-tax/individuals/tax-residency-status-for-individuals

 

They already know you are out of the country. 

[Paul Catton]

Following post may be helplul.

 

Also you should be able apply from Thailand.

 

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/seniors/superannuation/index.html

 

You can apply now if either:

• your 65th birthday is in the next 12 weeks, or
• you're already 65.

You can apply online through MyMSD, unless you live overseas.

Apply for NZ Super

Living overseas

If you live in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau, you need to complete and sign an application form.

How to apply if you live in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau

If you live in another country, call us or email our International Services team. We'll check if you qualify and let you know how to apply.

Our phone numbers

 

[KhunHeineken]

On 5/31/2025 at 8:01 PM, Paul Catton said:

Following post may be helplul.

 

Also you should be able apply from Thailand.

 

https://www.workandincome.govt.nz/eligibility/seniors/superannuation/index.html

 

You can apply now if either:

• your 65th birthday is in the next 12 weeks, or
• you're already 65.

You can apply online through MyMSD, unless you live overseas.

Apply for NZ Super

Living overseas

If you live in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau, you need to complete and sign an application form.

How to apply if you live in the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau

If you live in another country, call us or email our International Services team. We'll check if you qualify and let you know how to apply.

Our phone numbers

 

Your link relates to Super, but I think the member is asking about the NZ aged pension. 

 

Clarification needed by the OP. 

[Paul Catton]

4 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Your link relates to Super, but I think the member is asking about the NZ aged pension. 

 

Clarification needed by the OP. 

All payments by the NZ Government towards the terminology of "Pension", are payments paid out as " NZ Superannuation", All elderly folk, (me, approaching fast) being post 65 years of age are entitled to the prescribed Superannuation Payment subject to their correct application,

It is not means tested, thus available to all "Citizens / Permanent Residents" who meet criteria. 

[KhunHeineken]

23 hours ago, Paul Catton said:

All payments by the NZ Government towards the terminology of "Pension", are payments paid out as " NZ Superannuation", All elderly folk, (me, approaching fast) being post 65 years of age are entitled to the prescribed Superannuation Payment subject to their correct application,

It is not means tested, thus available to all "Citizens / Permanent Residents" who meet criteria. 

Huh?  Is it a pension or superannuation?   I understand the word "pension" is sometimes used to describe receiving a superannuation payment each month, but there is a big difference between the two. 

[Paul Catton]

20 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Huh?  Is it a pension or superannuation?   I understand the word "pension" is sometimes used to describe receiving a superannuation payment each month, but there is a big difference between the two. 

 In New Zealand, the term "pension" most commonly refers to New Zealand Superannuation, a universal, non-contributory, flat-rate pension for residents aged 65 and over upon application.. This pension is paid fortnightly and the amount you receive depends on your living situation.

[KhunHeineken]

3 hours ago, Paul Catton said:

In New Zealand, the term "pension" most commonly refers to New Zealand Superannuation,

What do they call superannuation in NZ? 

[Paul Catton]

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

What do they call superannuation in NZ? 

"Superannuation", comes with a universal payment along with a "Gold Card " for use against general  "Tax Payer" funded services being heavily discounted universally for supposed contribution.

   

[KhunHeineken]

35 minutes ago, Paul Catton said:

"Superannuation", comes with a universal payment along with a "Gold Card " for use against general  "Tax Payer" funded services being heavily discounted universally for supposed contribution.

   

Great. 

 

What's your advice to the OP to be deemed an "ordinary resident" in order to apply? 

 

If he becomes an ordinary resident the moment his plane lands, as you suggest in the other thread, link please.  

[Paul Catton]

2 hours ago, KhunHeineken said:

Great. 

 

What's your advice to the OP to be deemed an "ordinary resident" in order to apply? 

 

If he becomes an ordinary resident the moment his plane lands, as you suggest in the other thread, link please.  

 

Neither post are similar regarding any dynamic or circumstances.

 

Follow all legislation, as determined by both ones own Home Country (NZ) and the Proposed Host Country .

 

This "applicant"can initially apply from overseas, per instructions from the "NZ Work and Income" website.

I am under the age of having to engage this service, and perhaps dubious for veracity and deployment. Will ensure all i's dotted and t's crossed before  

     

[KhunHeineken]

52 minutes ago, Paul Catton said:

Neither post are similar regarding any dynamic or circumstances.

Both threads running have the common denominator of requiring one to be an "ordinary resident." 

 

54 minutes ago, Paul Catton said:

This "applicant"can initially apply from overseas, per instructions from the "NZ Work and Income" website.

It's my understanding the application from overseas can only be done from a SSA country, of which Thailand is not one of them.

 

Even the OP says this: "I have looked at the pension registration form and it looks like I have to go back to submit required paperwork?" 

 

Can you say when the OP will be deemed an "ordinary resident?"  Eg. is it when his plane land in NZ.

[Paul Catton]

I have not called the the called the "International Services Team" as stipulated on the work and income website for applications from "Other Countries".

  

On 6/1/2025 at 8:01 AM, Paul Catton said:

If you live in another country, call us or email our International Services team. We'll check if you qualify and let you know how to apply.

Our phone numbers

 

Apparently neither has the OP by the following statement.

 

On 5/25/2025 at 7:34 PM, Mukdahan Mark said:

I have looked at the pension registration form

 

It may well transpire that all the "Website Posted Generic Rules" need to be met for processing of the OP's entitlement.

However, why advertise further, and possible "option" specifically designed for this situation and many others.

 

If the "International Services Team" corroborate that the OP does needs to return to New Zealand to submit an application for his current "Superannuation" entitlement when he actually actually reaches 65 years of age.

 

He would then "presumably"  be following "NZ Governmental Legislation" regarding NZ Superannuation payments", (not just being just a" Work and Income" policy)  and have to relocate back to NZ whilst this entitlement was processed, and then apply for " the portability to take his Superannuation Payments" to Thailand.

 

All legislation passed in NZ can be found at the following site:

https://www.legislation.govt.nz/ 

 

Getting back to the OP's questions .

On 5/25/2025 at 7:34 PM, Mukdahan Mark said:

Hello fellow Kiwis.

Can anyone please help me with my pension query?

I am 65 in August and living in Thailand the past 3 years.  I have looked at the pension registration form and it looks like I have to go back to submit required paperwork?

How much deduction should I expect to have for being overseas more than the allowed 26 weeks and being based in Thailand?

Should I tell them, perhaps it's best to keep stum?

Any advise / heads-up much appreciated

Cheers

 

You will need to contact the "International Services Team" on the contact number or email for processing of the application for your "Superannuation" entitlement and follow their direction.

 

Once your entitlement has been verified, either A, from overseas if able, or B having to relocate back to New Zealand to establish being an ordinary resident for application.

 

If B, is the only mandated source for securing eligibility, the day you land establishes your NZ residence.

How long would ii take for your application to be processed? A week?, maybe Two.   

 

Upon being granted and in receipt of your entitled "Superannuation Payment".

Your personal dynamics may be forced to change your locality again back to Thailand .

 

If you then advise "WINZ" , You should be successful in securing the full base rate for payment to any nominated bank account oversea, including Thailand.

 

    

 

[gomangosteen]

For NZ Super - payment is made based on this calculation.

Must have resided in NZ for a minimum for five years between ages 50 and 65.

Between ages of 20 and 65 there are 540 months.

If a person had lived in Thailand for ten years, 120 months, and met that 5yr 50-65 requirement, they would receive a percentage 420/540, approx 77% of the basic Super rate.

 

For myself, all going well, I'll be on around that amount 70-75% as each period I went back and worked there 3-6mth contracts has accumulated to exceed that 5yrs.

 

My understanding is the application must be made in New Zealand. 

[Paul Catton]

2 hours ago, gomangosteen said:

For NZ Super - payment is made based on this calculation.

Must have resided in NZ for a minimum for five years between ages 50 and 65.

Between ages of 20 and 65 there are 540 months.

If a person had lived in Thailand for ten years, 120 months, and met that 5yr 50-65 requirement, they would receive a percentage 420/540, approx 77% of the basic Super rate.

 

For myself, all going well, I'll be on around that amount 70-75% as each period I went back and worked there 3-6mth contracts has accumulated to exceed that 5yrs.

 

My understanding is the application must be made in New Zealand. 

Thanks for your input, Do we "know"anyone ever, who has contacted the International Team in NZ. 

 

I would get 100%, Opal only only about 50%, however being a permanent resident in NZ and not a citizen, I have to remain fully compliant

[Paul Catton]

2 hours ago, gomangosteen said:

My understanding is the application must be made in New Zealand. 

 

Any ideas or knowledge behind the activity of the "International Team" overseeing applicants from aboard? 

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/9/2025 at 8:30 AM, Paul Catton said:

or B having to relocate back to New Zealand to establish being an ordinary resident for application.

Doesn't this happen as soon as his plane lands? 

[Paul Catton]

1 hour ago, KhunHeineken said:

Doesn't this happen as soon as his plane lands? 

Realistically, it should.

 

[KhunHeineken]

On 6/11/2025 at 6:24 AM, Paul Catton said:

Realistically, it should.

 

So, is your advice to disregard the below?

 

Ordinary resident status is achieved as soon as the plane lands.  

 

When deciding if someone is ordinarily resident in the countries listed above, we look at:

• their intentions towards these countries, including their reasons for periods of absence and return
• the length of time they spend in these countries on a continual basis
• property and asset ownership. Do they own a home or any other large assets in these countries?
• the location of their cash assets: investments and bank accounts
• whether their income is earned in these countries or overseas
• whether they pay taxes in these countries
• whether they still vote in or still qualify to vote in these countries general elections
• their commitment to these countries, such as involvement in the community, clubs or other groups.

Generally you're not considered to be ordinarily resident in these countries if you either:

• leave them for more than 26 weeks, or
• spend more time outside of them than inside.

Please note: a person cannot be ordinarily resident in 2 places at the same time.

 

[Paul Catton]

On 6/18/2025 at 12:07 AM, KhunHeineken said:

So, is your advice to disregard the below?

 

Ordinary resident status is achieved as soon as the plane lands.  

 

When deciding if someone is ordinarily resident in the countries listed above, we look at:

• their intentions towards these countries, including their reasons for periods of absence and return
• the length of time they spend in these countries on a continual basis
• property and asset ownership. Do they own a home or any other large assets in these countries?
• the location of their cash assets: investments and bank accounts
• whether their income is earned in these countries or overseas
• whether they pay taxes in these countries
• whether they still vote in or still qualify to vote in these countries general elections
• their commitment to these countries, such as involvement in the community, clubs or other groups.

Generally you're not considered to be ordinarily resident in these countries if you either:

• leave them for more than 26 weeks, or
• spend more time outside of them than inside.

Please note: a person cannot be ordinarily resident in 2 places at the same time.

 

Apparently, "Applicants" may need to follow the directions as stipulated upon the "Generic Terms" published by the "Governmental Website", unless there is then a separated documented processes by contacting the "International Team".

 

I have not called them, have you or the OP? 

 

It is more than evident within this forum, the established portability of "NZ Superannuation" is extended in entirety to Thailand Based accounts. Again the generic terminology posted for use of residence purpose may or not be be conflated against the universal eligibility of "NZ Citizenship". 

 

Fascinating discussion of the dilemna facing the OP and perhaps "myself" and many others by an ever evolving revolving rules and regulations trying to be enforced.

 

 

Would be good if @gomangosteen, @xylophone, @Patong2 could give further advice regarding formalities regarding their transportation of NZ Super and. 
 

  

  

 

 

  

[xylophone]

6 minutes ago, Paul Catton said:

Apparently, "Applicants" may need to follow the directions as stipulated upon the "Generic Terms" published by the "Governmental Website", unless there is then a separated documented processes by contacting the "International Team".

 

I have not called them, have you or the OP? 

 

It is more than evident within this forum, the established portability of "NZ Superannuation" is extended in entirety to Thailand Based accounts. Again the generic terminology posted for use of residence purpose may or not be be conflated against the universal eligibility of "NZ Citizenship". 

 

Fascinating discussion of the dilemna facing the OP and perhaps "myself" and many others by an ever evolving revolving rules and regulations trying to be enforced.

 

 

Would be good if @gomangosteen, @xylophone, @Patong2 could give further advice regarding formalities regarding their transportation of NZ Super and. 
 

  

  

 

 

  

I was just sitting at the computer when this came through Paul, so I can answer, but I'm not sure that my answer is what you want because I've not been following the thread!

 

I say this because I came up against a rule in NZ that one had to be living in that country and be a citizen thereof for a certain number of years in order to get the full pension and I didn't quite qualify (I emigrated to NZ in 1984 and left in 2005), so whatever pension I received from them was scaled back, and still is to this day – – now don't ask me exactly what happened at the time, although I do recall having to go and sit through an interview with an official from the pension department and fill out a few forms.

 

As I recall this applied to me: – "To be eligible for New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super), you need to have lived in New Zealand for a certain number of years since the age of 20. This residency requirement is gradually increasing from 10 years to 20 years. The exact number of years required depends on your date of birth. Additionally, you must have lived in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau for at least 5 years since you turned 50. These years do not need to be consecutive".

Not sure if this can be any help, as my memory of what happened at the time is a little vague at the moment because there was so much going on in my life at that time, and also of course now I am much older!

 

One thing has come to mind inasmuch as I believe I had to be in the country (NZ) when I applied for the pension.
 

[Paul Catton]

36 minutes ago, xylophone said:

I was just sitting at the computer when this came through Paul, so I can answer, but I'm not sure that my answer is what you want because I've not been following the thread!

 

I say this because I came up against a rule in NZ that one had to be living in that country and be a citizen thereof for a certain number of years in order to get the full pension and I didn't quite qualify (I emigrated to NZ in 1984 and left in 2005), so whatever pension I received from them was scaled back, and still is to this day – – now don't ask me exactly what happened at the time, although I do recall having to go and sit through an interview with an official from the pension department and fill out a few forms.

 

As I recall this applied to me: – "To be eligible for New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super), you need to have lived in New Zealand for a certain number of years since the age of 20. This residency requirement is gradually increasing from 10 years to 20 years. The exact number of years required depends on your date of birth. Additionally, you must have lived in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tokelau for at least 5 years since you turned 50. These years do not need to be consecutive".

Not sure if this can be any help, as my memory of what happened at the time is a little vague at the moment because there was so much going on in my life at that time, and also of course now I am much older!

 

One thing has come to mind inasmuch as I believe I had to be in the country (NZ) when I applied for the pension.
 

 

Dear @xylophone

 

Thanks for your timely response, it is much appreciated within this discussion.
Application time frame and then the ability of portability is the crux of the matter.

 

Not having sufficient years in NZ to get the full increment of payment is not in dispute.

 

I emigrated to NZ in 1983 to current day (42 years), although my status remains a UK Citizen with  "NZ Permanent Residency", Opal emigrated from Thailand to NZ around 2004 and acquired Citizenship before we me, (21 Years).

Upon application, at the age of respective eligibility,  I would be granted a full pension but Opal would only receive approximately 55%.          

 

We all seem to agree that the payments are applied based pro rata, per months spent in NZ pending reaching ones age for eligibility.

 

What appears to be ambiguous, is upon reaching the age of eligibility (65). Current policy "terms and conditions" being applied adversely could be contrary to legislation as posted by @KhunHeineken. 

 

All applications do need to be made physically in "NZ".

 

Legislation doesn't appear to stipulate any tenure to meet policy of re-establishment as an "Ordinary Resident" for an eligible citizen to meet.

 

Again, thanks for your current impart.

 

Feel free to advise how your application to transport the NZ Super payments over to Thailand went seamlessly.     

 

Always kindest regards

Paul & Opal