[cinives]

You misunderstand my question.

If I emigrate as a retiree with residence visa (or whatever they call it) but keep US citizenship, does their welfare/health system consider me a resident entitled to services or just a “long-term visitor” with no services ?

IOW if I have resources and can pay my own way, they don’t want me as a retiree ?

[Mr. Jeeves]

If you obtain permanent residence, you are entitled to services. But it's hard to do that if you are over 55. You probably have to qualify as an investor and bring a certain amount of money into the country.

The New Zealand Immigration site is really good and has all of the answers.