18 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1121 views
The Government is extending the state redress scheme to cover survivors of abuse in State-run mental health inpatient facilities from 1 July 1993 to 30 June 2022, addressing gaps identified after Health New Zealand assumed responsibility in 2022. This change, prompted by survivors' difficulties in accessing recognition and redress, aims to provide consistent support and accountability regardless of when the abuse occurred. The amendment to the Redress System for Abuse in Care Bill is progressing through Parliament, reflecting the Government’s commitment to meaningful change and preventing future harm.
05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1240 views
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced the launch of ChamberWorks, a partnership between the Ministry of Social Development and New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, aimed at helping businesses with recruitment and increasing employment. The initiative addresses employers' recruitment challenges by aligning workforce needs with job seekers and leveraging MSD's extensive talent pipeline and training resources. ChamberWorks will operate nationally across 23 chambers, collaborating on workforce plans and opportunities to support businesses and get more Kiwis into work.
03 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1302 views
An 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.
26 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1369 views
The Government has classified recent weather events in the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, and Canterbury as medium-scale adverse events, unlocking additional support for affected farmers and growers. This support includes tax relief, Rural Assistance Payments, and activation of Enhanced Taskforce Green, with the Ministry for Primary Industries conducting on-farm assessments to identify those most in need. Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson urges farmers and growers to seek help through the Rural Support Trust for ongoing recovery efforts.
28 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1316 views
The New Zealand Government has launched an inter-agency hub at the Oranga Tamariki National Contact Centre and begun mandatory foundational training for core children’s workers to better protect vulnerable children, especially those with sole carers facing imprisonment. This hub facilitates rapid information sharing among key agencies to assess and address risks within 48 hours, ensuring tailored responses to each child's safety and wellbeing. These initiatives follow recommendations from the Dame Karen Poutasi Review and the Royal Commission into Abuse in Care, complementing public awareness campaigns like Mana Mokopuna’s "Dear Children" to enhance child protection nationwide.
22 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1386 views
Minister 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.
05 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1648 views
Minister Louise Upston announces two key initiatives aimed at reducing benefit dependency and encouraging young New Zealanders to stay in work. The first initiative involves removing Jobseeker payments for 18- and 19-year-olds if their parents can financially support them. The second initiative offers a $1,000 bonus payment to young people who participate in the Community Job Coaching service, secure employment, and remain off benefits for 12 months.
05 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1639 views
The Government is taking immediate actions to address homelessness in New Zealand, focusing on expanding support for rough sleepers and providing more social housing options. These actions include funding additional social homes for the Housing First program, increasing support services for rough sleepers, improving the efficiency of transitional housing, redirecting beneficiaries' income to contribute to accommodation costs, and encouraging greater discretion in assessing emergency housing applications. The aim is to deliver the right homes, in the right places, with the right supports for rough sleepers and address the root causes of homelessness in the country.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2025 views
Minister Louise Upston highlights the Government's focus on jobseeker beneficiaries in upcoming employment programs. The Ministry of Social Development's updated strategy emphasizes the importance of prioritizing beneficiaries for job placements. Efforts include targeted support for young people to reduce long-term reliance on benefits and increase employment opportunities.