Story: Older people

Old-age pension

Old-age pension

An old-age pension was first introduced in 1898 – New Zealand was among the first countries in the world to provide one. To be eligible men and women had to be over 60 and earn below a certain income. This 1898 cartoon features Premier Richard John Seddon. The inscription at the bottom of the cartoon reads, 'An old friend with a new face / Santa Claus Seddon to party of sexagenarians: "You've not been forgotton this time, old boys. There's a stocking full like this for every one of you."'

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: PUBL-0126-1898-001
Cartoon by Ashley Hunter

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Peggy Koopman-Boyden, 'Older people - Life circumstances', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/cartoon/26694/old-age-pension (accessed 17 May 2024)

Story by Peggy Koopman-Boyden, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 22 Aug 2018