Are UK pensions that are transferred to NZ taxed?

trying to get confirmation if UK pensions transferred to NZ are NOT taxed. I believe the rule is not for the first 4 years if the person is a 'transitional resident' (which migrants who have not been in the country prior are considered as). My parents have been told both by their bank and the tax people they do have to pay tax at 17%. They are getting confused by it all and are now not sure if that's just tax on the interest or tax on the full amount. Thanks in advance