The Cook Islands Prime Minister intends asking his New Zealand counterpart why his government opposed a superannuation portability amendment that would have benefitted the Cooks, Niue and Tokelau.
John Key is to arrive on Rarotonga this afternoon with a large contingent from New Zealand to celebrate the Cook Islands 50th anniversary of self government.
Henry Puna will have bilateral discussions with Mr Key and the Cooks leader wants to know why he opposed the amendment.
It would have removed the requirement that people stay five years after the age of 50 to qualify for superannuation before they could permanently settle or resettle in the Cooks.
New Zealand PM John Key. Photo: RNZ / Alexander Robertson
The New Zealand parliament recently modified the rules on super portability but Mr Puna wants Wellington to go further.
He says removing the over 50 requirement would be very, very good for the Cook Islands.
He says people are at their prime economically when they turn 50.
New Zealand Labour MP, Poto Williams, the first Cook Islands woman to be elected into New Zealand parliament, also wants the New Zealand Government to reconsider its stance.
