5 Jul 2023

'Stress & emotional strain' pensioners caught out by border closing

From Checkpoint, 5:14 pm on 5 July 2023

'Significant financial hardship, stress, and emotional strain' The Retirement Commissioner says pensioners caught out during the border closures had major difficulties navigating government bureaucracy to solve problems.

Some left when the trans Tasman bubble opened, and like so many other Kiwis couldn't get back home while the borders were shut.

Many were faced with navigating the online MIQ lobby system, losing their pension and the threat of having to pay it back.

The Retirement Commissioner wants changes from MSD, to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Louise Ternouth reports.