Taxing times in Kohimarama

Ruth Humphrey wants to know why the Government decided she married the wrong man. When she turned 65 three years ago, Mrs Humphrey applied to Work and Income for her superannuation.

The Kohimarama woman was shocked to learn she would receive nothing. The problem, it said, was that her husband Bill was drawing a pension through his American social security fund.

"I was absolutely devastated. I'd worked until I was 65, knowing my savings and superannuation would be enough for me to live on. Because I am married to an American, the Government is defaulting on its commitment."

It took a year and a half of "rattling cages" before she started receiving $144 a fortnight. Her payments are now about $200 net fortnightly, still well short of the $400 to which she believes she is entitled.

She said her husband was saving the country money because he had chosen not to receive the New Zealand super, although entitled to. Nor did his pension cost the US Government as it resulted from contributions he and his employer had made.

Mrs Humphrey, a former assistant librarian, jokes that she would receive her full super if she divorced her husband.

According to the Work and Income website, a single person living with others would receive $472.28 after tax, higher than a married person's entitlement of $393.56. In the meantime, her 76-year-old husband, an electronics engineer, continues to work. "We just need the money," she said.

She feels "disinherited". "My family came to this country in 1840 and has contributed greatly to make our nation a very special place to live. My husband has been paying tax for 19 years in this country and I began paying in 1955. When one plans for the future and something that has been absolutely committed to you is denied without any warning, it comes as a big shock."