Today in 1898 the old-age pensions act became law

On this day in 1898, the old age pensions act became law in New Zealand. It was a world first and gave a small means-tested pension to elderly people who possessed few assets and who were ‘of good moral character’. The act was one of the major achievements of Richard Seddon’s Liberal government.

Funded from general taxation, the amount on offer was small. Applicants aged 65+ had to meet certain criteria to qualify for a pension of at most £18 per year. Only those with an annual income of £34 or less and property valued at no more than £50 received the full amount.

As proof of age was required this disadvantaged the many Māori whose births had not been registered. Applicants had to have lived in New Zealand for the previous 25 years, but Chinese were specifically excluded.