PM refutes Peters' super complaints

Winston Peters won't rule out New Zealand First negotiating a confidence-and-supply agreement with Labour after the next election. Photo / Doug Sherring

Prime Minister John Key has refuted complaints from New Zealand First leader Winston Peters that elderly immigrants are getting access to superannuation despite not paying taxes.

Mr Key this morning said migrants paid more in tax than they consumed in superannuation.

Mr Peters claimed there were 22,000 elderly migrants from countries without a mutual pension agreement with New Zealand.

And he criticised the Government for allowing them access to superannuation after 10 years.

"An immigrant can arrive here at the age of 55, pay no direct tax for 10 years, and receive full New Zealand super at age 65, yet they will all receive full New Zealand Super," he said.

Mr Key said immigrants paid $3.3 billion a year in taxes.

"Personally I am for migration. They make a massive contribution. As long as people come to New Zealand with the right attitude, we're a stronger country because of it."