Latest fromMinistry of Social Development
![Alleged wage subsidy fraud trial likely next year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Alleged wage subsidy fraud trial likely next year
Wage subsidy trial: Tax agency charges could be merged with $977k fraud allegations.
![What the Kāinga Ora report means for Rotorua and the hundreds of planned home builds](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
What the Kāinga Ora report means for Rotorua and the hundreds of planned home builds
There are at least 330 new Kāinga Ora homes budgeted for the city by mid-2025.
![More people ‘drowning in debt’ as cost of living crisis bites](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
More people ‘drowning in debt’ as cost of living crisis bites
While incomes increased last year, they were "cancelled out" by the cost of living crisis.
!['They treat everyone like trash': MSD receives almost 5000 complaints about staff in two years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'They treat everyone like trash': MSD receives almost 5000 complaints about staff in two years
People seeking support from Work and Income say MSD staff lack compassion.
![‘Busier than we’ve ever been’: Government pulls funding for budgeting service](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
‘Busier than we’ve ever been’: Government pulls funding for budgeting service
It's understood other budgeting providers across the country have also been cut.
!['Reckless': 170 jobs on line at Kāinga Ora and housing agency as axe falls across public sector](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Reckless': 170 jobs on line at Kāinga Ora and housing agency as axe falls across public sector
Workers have been told not to make a decision 'on a whim'.
!['Blindsided and betrayed': Bid for two more years of Rotorua homeless motels shocks](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Blindsided and betrayed': Bid for two more years of Rotorua homeless motels shocks
The mayor and MP say they are disappointed by the housing ministry's move.
!['Liars and thieves': Iwi boss hits out over emergency housing scammers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Liars and thieves': Iwi boss hits out over emergency housing scammers
'We have to wade through their bullsh*t and end up wasting a lot of time'.
![Public Purse: Planned cuts to public service won't even wind back last six months of expansion](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Public Purse: Planned cuts to public service won't even wind back last six months of expansion
OPINION: Eight new agencies across the public service helped fuel record staffing levels.
!['Unfit dive': Parnell lodge was last resort for homeless resident](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Unfit dive': Parnell lodge was last resort for homeless resident
Benjamin Rees fled through a window when the fire hit City Garden Lodge.
![NZ Rugby steps in to repay $3m Covid wage subsidies](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
NZ Rugby steps in to repay $3m Covid wage subsidies
Rugby's ruling body is looking to cut funding at provincial level by $3.6m over two years.
![Health Ministry proposes job cuts of 18 per cent](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Health Ministry proposes job cuts of 18 per cent
Ministry of Health proposes to slash 134 roles entirely to meet Govt savings directive.
![Building for the future big part of Kāinga Ora’s Northland plans](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Building for the future big part of Kāinga Ora’s Northland plans
Kāinga Ora's homes are designed to last 50 years.
!['Sex cult cloaked in Christianity': Lawyer seeks to shut Gloriavale down](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'Sex cult cloaked in Christianity': Lawyer seeks to shut Gloriavale down
A barrister is calling for the commune to be shut down, claiming it enables abuse.
![Safety fears as police prepare to pull back from distress calls](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Safety fears as police prepare to pull back from distress calls
Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says a plan will be presented to Cabinet next month.
![Convicted killer and rapist accuses sister of keeping his payment for being abused in state care](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Convicted killer and rapist accuses sister of keeping his payment for being abused in state care
Convicted double murderer Leon Wilson says sister is withholding a $25k payout from him.
![109,000 Kiwis on Jobseeker welfare for more than a year](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
109,000 Kiwis on Jobseeker welfare for more than a year
The PM says he's seen enough evidence to prove the use of sanctions should be ramped up.
!['We’re not bothering anyone': Napier council removes homeless tents on Marine Parade](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
'We’re not bothering anyone': Napier council removes homeless tents on Marine Parade
Council says Marine Parade 'not suitable environment' for homeless in tents.
![Revealed: New benefit rates reduce forecast incomes of disabled by $2300 by 2028](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Revealed: New benefit rates reduce forecast incomes of disabled by $2300 by 2028
Fresh modelling shows disabled people will lose out.
![Man who spent taxpayer money on gambling, adult entertainment says prison too harsh](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Man who spent taxpayer money on gambling, adult entertainment says prison too harsh
Nathan Downey fraudulently obtained nearly $200k from MSD.
![Editorial: New Social Development broom has a big beneficiary base to clean up](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=783)
Editorial: New Social Development broom has a big beneficiary base to clean up
OPINION: A small group of beneficiaries cause the biggest problems.