Articles tagged with Bse
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New Social Security Bill Tightens Jobseeker Support and Housing Subsidies
28 Aug 2026 | 1 week ago | 203 viewsThe Social Security (Jobseeker Support and Accommodation Supplement) Amendment Bill, passed in Parliament, tightens eligibility for Jobseeker Support and adjusts the Accommodation Supplement to better target financial assistance. It requires 18- and 19-year-olds to meet the Parental Assistance Test before receiving benefits and increases the homeowner contribution threshold for housing subsidies from 30% to 40% of income. The legislation aims to reduce benefit dependency, encourage work, and ensures certain groups, like pension recipients, are exempt from the new Accommodation Supplement changes.
Tags: Louise Upston Social Security Jobseeker Support Accommodation Supplement Welfare System Budget 2025 Parental Assistance Test New Zealand Government Social Development Employment MinisterCommunity Job Coaching Helps 4,000 Young New Zealanders Into Sustainable Jobs
26 Aug 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 218 viewsCommunity Job Coaching, launched in October 2025, has enrolled 4,000 young New Zealanders aged 18–24, providing up to 26 weeks of personalized employment coaching and ongoing support to help them secure sustainable jobs. The program, delivered across multiple regions and expanding to three more, aims to reduce youth reliance on welfare by offering tailored local support, contributing to the government’s goal of 50,000 fewer Jobseeker Support beneficiaries. With over 640 paid work activities and 290 individuals off benefits so far, the initiative focuses on breaking the cycle of long-term welfare dependency and promoting career pathways for young people.
Tags: Community Job Coaching Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development Jobseeker Support New Zealand employment programme youth employment community providers sustainable employment job coachingGovernment Launches Upgraded MyMSD Jobs Site to Connect Job Seekers with Employers
11 Aug 2026 | 4 weeks ago | 297 viewsThe Government has launched an upgraded job search website, MyMSD Jobs, to better connect job seekers with employers using enhanced job matching technology and improved Jobseeker profiles. Over 94,000 clients have updated their profiles to access matched job opportunities, with more than 7,700 positions currently available, and positive feedback has been reported from users. Future improvements include a dedicated employer portal, as part of MSD’s broader transformation to provide more efficient services and support stronger, resilient communities.
Tags: Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development MSD JobSeeker Support MyMSD Jobs Kimi Mahi Mai Social Development and Employment Minister job matching technology New Zealand employment platformNZ Approves Two-Year Extension for Key NZDF International Peacekeeping Missions
15 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 681 viewsThe New Zealand Government has approved two-year extensions for five international NZDF deployments, involving over 100 personnel in peacekeeping, monitoring, and security missions across the Middle East and North Asia. These deployments include contributions to the United Nations Command in Korea, the Multinational Force and Observers in Egypt, Middle East maritime security, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, and North Korea sanctions monitoring. The extensions reflect New Zealand’s commitment to global security, regional stability, and ongoing collaboration with international partners.
Tags: Winston Peters Chris Penk New Zealand Defence Force United Nations Command Multinational Force and Observers United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation New Zealand Middle East North Korea EgyptGovernment Tightens Welfare Eligibility to Support Sustainability and Target Need
14 May 2026 | 3 months ago | 831 viewsThe Government has introduced the Social Security Amendment Bill to improve fiscal sustainability by tightening eligibility for Jobseeker Support for 18- and 19-year-olds and adjusting the Accommodation Supplement calculation for homeowners. The Bill requires young beneficiaries to meet the Parental Assistance Test unless they have dependent children, aiming to reduce long-term benefit dependency and better target assistance to those most in need. Additionally, the Accommodation Supplement changes, the first in 33 years, focus support on vulnerable groups by requiring homeowners to contribute a higher share of income toward housing costs before receiving subsidies.
Tags: Louise Upston Social Development Employment Minister Jobseeker Support Accommodation Supplement Welfare system Budget 2025 Parental Assistance Test New Zealand Government Social Security Amendment BillNew Zealand Reviews Ruminant Protein Rules to Protect $4.9B Beef Export
27 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 692 viewsNew Zealand is reviewing its Biosecurity (Ruminant Protein) Regulations 1999 to prevent BSE (mad cow disease) from entering its cattle and protect the $4.9 billion beef export sector. The review focuses on preventing cross contamination and accidental exposure to ruminant protein in cattle feed, which is crucial for maintaining the country's negligible-risk status recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health. Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard emphasizes that getting the regulations right is vital for keeping international markets open, with public consultation running from April 28 to June 12.
Tags: New Zealand Andrew Hoggard Biosecurity ruminant protein regulations BSE mad cow disease beef export World Organisation for Animal Health prion diseases cattleNew Zealand Sees 5,580 More People Move from Benefits to Work by March 2026
16 Apr 2026 | 4 months ago | 878 viewsMinister Louise Upston highlights that more New Zealanders moved from benefits into work over the year to March 2026, despite challenging economic conditions, with 5,580 more people exiting benefits compared to the previous year. The number of people receiving Jobseeker Support and working-age main benefits decreased significantly, reflecting the impact of the Government’s welfare reset and initiatives like the Traffic Light System and Kōrero Mahi seminars. These measures aim to make jobseekers more proactive and work-ready, providing practical support to help them secure sustainable employment.
Tags: Louise Upston Minister for Social Development and Employment New Zealand Jobseeker Support MSD Kōrero Mahi Traffic Light System welfare reset employment support main benefitNew Zealand Boosts Financial Support for Families, Superannuitants & Students from April
29 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 999 viewsFrom 1 April, the New Zealand government will increase financial support for over a million citizens, including superannuitants, working families, students, and beneficiaries, to help offset rising living costs due to the global fuel-price surge and Middle East conflict. Key measures include increased NZ Superannuation payments, boosted family tax credits, in-work tax credits, and changes to KiwiSaver contribution rates to encourage long-term savings. The government emphasizes targeted, responsible support to manage inflation and economic growth while safeguarding New Zealand’s financial future amid global uncertainties.
Tags: Nicola Willis New Zealand Superannuitants Working Families Students Beneficiaries KiwiSaver Finance Minister FamilyBoost Jobseeker SupportAra Jobs and Skills Hub Celebrates 10 Years Connecting Auckland Airport to Jobs
18 Mar 2026 | 5 months ago | 904 viewsThe Ara Jobs and Skills Hub, supported by the Ministry of Social Development for 10 years, has helped over 1,440 people into jobs and provided training to thousands within the Auckland Airport precinct. This partnership coordinates workforce planning, recruitment, and training for 800 businesses across various sectors, addressing significant workforce demands. Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in supporting job seekers and achieving the government’s goal of reducing Jobseeker Support recipients by 50,000 by 2030.
Tags: Louise Upston Ara Jobs and Skills Hub Ministry of Social Development Auckland Airport job training workforce planning recruitment New Zealand government Jobseeker Support employmentMSD Traffic Light System Boosts Jobseeker Responsibility and Employment Outcomes
02 Mar 2026 | 6 months ago | 1050 viewsAn evaluation of New Zealand's traffic light system, introduced in August 2024, shows that 90% of MSD clients find it helpful for understanding their job search obligations, with nearly 99% fulfilling these responsibilities and a 10.6% decrease in sanctions. The system aims to reset welfare expectations, incentivize employment over dependency, and is supported by increased frontline services, job coaching, and incentives like a $1000 bonus for young people securing and maintaining work. The government remains committed to reducing Jobseeker Support recipients by 50,000 by 2030 through a fair, firm, and simple welfare approach that helps jobseekers be proactive and seize employment opportunities.
Tags: Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development MSD Government traffic light system welfare system Jobseeker Support New Zealand employment social developmentGovernment-Funded Driver Licence Training Boosts Job Opportunities in New Zealand
02 Feb 2026 | 7 months ago | 1097 viewsThe Government-funded Driver Licence Support programme in New Zealand is exceeding targets, with over 21,000 enrolments and more than 34,000 licences issued since 2023, helping job seekers gain essential driving skills. Having a driver licence is crucial for about 70% of jobs, enabling individuals to secure employment, support their families, and achieve independence, as illustrated by success stories like a young woman obtaining a traffic management job. The programme, with an 82% pass rate and significant youth participation, contributes to safer, stronger communities by improving employment opportunities and mobility.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Driver Licence Support MSD Jobseeker Support Fulton Hogan Social Development Employment Driver Licence YouthMinister Louise Upston Encourages Timaru Employers to Hire Local Jobseekers with MSD Support
22 Jan 2026 | 7 months ago | 1170 viewsMinister Louise Upston encouraged Timaru employers to prioritize hiring jobseekers and highlighted how the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) supports businesses by matching them with skilled and suitable candidates. MSD collaborates closely with local employers like Fonterra to understand their workforce needs and build trust by connecting them with ready-to-work talent from a large pool of jobseekers. She emphasized that recruitment through MSD is about unlocking potential and creating lasting opportunities, urging employers of all sizes to engage with MSD for workforce solutions.
Tags: Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development MSD Timaru Fonterra Jobseekers Employment Social Development Workforce RecruitmentGovernment Progresses in Tackling Unemployment Despite Economic Challenges
16 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 1026 viewsMinister Louise Upston highlights the Government's progress in reducing unemployment despite economic challenges, with a 6% increase in beneficiaries finding work in the June 2025 quarter, totaling 20,775 individuals transitioning into employment. The data also shows a 6.9% rise in work exits from Jobseeker Support and a decrease in young people receiving this support. The Government's initiatives, such as frontline investments, phone-based case management, and Kōrero Mahi seminars, aim to support jobseekers, emphasizing the importance of providing practical assistance during the job search process to help individuals gain independence and improve their lives.
Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston Government unemployment MSD stats Jobseeker Support New Zealanders Kōrero MahiMinister Upston Applauds Progress in Job Seeker Preparation and Case Management Boost
14 Oct 2025 | 10 months ago | 932 viewsMinister Louise Upston has praised the progress in preparing Kiwi job seekers for work, emphasizing the focus on matching them with employers through targeted case management. The Ministry for Social Development is increasing case management places and rolling out Individual Employment Plans to help clients become job-ready. MSD aims to support job seekers in securing positions now and in the future, aligning with the government's Jobseeker reduction target and economic growth projections.
Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston Kiwi job seekers case management MSD Individual Employment Plans Government Jobseeker reduction targetMSD's Proactive Approach Enhances Job Seekers' Employment Readiness and Success
07 Oct 2025 | 11 months ago | 1015 viewsMinister Louise Upston praises MSD's focus on frontline partnerships to better prepare jobseekers for employment, citing the success of the 'Into Work' regional workshops for employers. MSD's proactive engagement with job seekers has led to a significant increase in appointments and successful job placements, with tailored seminars providing practical job readiness support. Despite economic challenges, there has been a notable rise in Jobseeker work exits, highlighting the positive impact of prompt employment assistance on individuals, families, communities, and the economy.
Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston MSD jobseekers employers proactive engagement Kōrero Mahi seminars Jobseeker Support