Latest fromMinistry of Social Development
Labour claims ‘cover-up’ as weekly reporting on benefit numbers cancelled
Minister Louise Upston has directed her officials to stop publishing weekly updates.
19 separate identities and $82k stolen: Man jailed for part in Covid relief fraud
The high-trust model was exploited during a time of national crisis.
‘Mean-spirited’: Labour attacks Govt decision on hardship assistance for sanctioned beneficiaries
MSD recommended beneficiaries on non-financial sanctions have access to hardship payments.
'Demeaning': Mum relying on donations for son's life saving monitor
A $3000 life-saving epilepsy monitor has been funded by The Den Maungaturoto.
Abuse survivor says redress offer ‘insulting’ after living with trauma for decades
'I think about what I could have achieved if this had not happened in my life.'
Govt wants jobseeker beneficiaries cut by 50k, but forecasts are up 11k
The Government says it wants beneficiary numbers to fall, but they continue to rise.
Tenant fights for Kainga Ora to pay after home damaged in storm
Tenants of State homes damaged in floods say they should have been told the house was on a flood plain because of the potential risk.
MSD cuts funding for charity working with emergency housing tenants
Emerge Aotearoa provides support for families in emergency housing.
'Improper' Covid cash claim: Ministry takes hotel building contractor to court
Issue over nearly $250,000 in pandemic-era wage subsidies.
Editorial: What happens when the news moves on?
OPINION: Ten years after a tragedy that rocked a town, the impact is everlasting.
Hundreds likely to be sleeping in cars after leaving emergency housing
About 200 whānau who are unaccounted for are probably sleeping in cars, garages.
Parents of disabled kids ‘horrified’ at residential care restrictions after funding freeze
The Government says it's a temporary measure and that there's capacity in the system.
Foster mum of seven children jailed for $221k benefit fraud
'She has taken advantage of the benefit system for her own personal gain.'
Ministry apologises after telling sick beneficiary to supply CV
'I actually really stressed about this' - The beneficiary received the letter by accident.
'I've been betrayed': Benefit cut after one missed appointment
A former public servant lost all his JobSeeker allowance after missing one appointment.
So much more than a 'cool job': Solo mum on a benefit turns into digger-driving trailblazer
'It just came to the point where I was totally sick of that kind of life.'
Opinion: Disabled community alone, anxious after Whaikaha 'gouging'
OPINION: For years disabled people have had little choice and control over their lives.
Changes to benefit ‘may negatively impact young jobseekers’
The changes include requiring recipients to reapply every six months.
Concerns support for disabled Māori and Pasifika people could 'slip away again'
Fears due to Govt's planned restructure of Whaikaha, the Ministry of Disabled People.
'Lord have mercy': Blind man asked for driver licence for ID
Experience at ministry office has man worried about changes to disability services.
'Savage' cuts: 268 more jobs axed from Te Whatu Ora
Thousands of roles have been cut within the public sector.
Audrey Young: Government on track for post-Olympic policy sprint
OPINION: Also in this week's wrap – the PM's embarrassing benefit blunders.
Benefit traffic light system: What you need to know
Government announced new traffic light scheme, additional system changes.
Govt opponents slam benefit sanction traffic light system
PM says there'll be “no more excuses” for beneficiaries not knowing their obligations.
Public sector cuts: $58m so far in redundancy payouts at Govt agencies
Nicola Willis says the cost is small compared to the $6b they're expecting to save.
Steve Maharey: No amount of harassment, punishment will conjure up a job
OPINION: Compulsory seminars are seldom helpful — they serve mainly to humiliate.