Latest fromMinistry of Social Development

New requirement for job seeker beneficiaries kicks in
Rule change part of Govt's plan to reduce number of people getting dole payments.

The $2b social housing cliff no one is talking about
The social housing sector is blighted by a fiscal cliff that creates haves and have-nots.

Editorial: Te Pāti Māori's self-referral for a police investigation forces Government's hand
OPINION: When Te Pāti Māori referred itself to the police, it left no other options.

More than 40 Auckland boarding houses operating illegally
Issues include gang-affiliated guests, fire safety breaches, and challenging owners.

Head of MSD in Hawke's Bay says King's Birthday honour is recognition for her team
Karen Bartlett has spent more than 40 years working for the public.

MSD owed billions as families spiral into ‘crippling’ debt
MSD data shows the amount of debt owed is $2.61 billion as of March 31, 2024.

800-plus jobs slashed at Ministry of Social Development and DOC
MSD previously announced 200 voluntary redundancies were accepted last month.

Alleged wage subsidy fraud trial likely next year
Wage subsidy trial: Tax agency charges could be merged with $977k fraud allegations.

'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
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
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
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
'We have to wade through their bullsh*t and end up wasting a lot of time'.

MP shares moving cancer tale as Govt pushes on with public service cuts
The Government targeted areas where Labour is weak, but one MP made a personal warning.

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.

Minister questions Govt paying $2.34b for 364,000 people's rent, mortgages
Louise Upston says there's 'merit' in considering current settings for the supplements.

'Unfit dive': Parnell lodge was last resort for homeless resident
Benjamin Rees fled through a window when the fire hit City Garden Lodge.

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
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
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
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
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
Council says Marine Parade 'not suitable environment' for homeless in tents.

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
Nathan Downey fraudulently obtained nearly $200k from MSD.

Editorial: New Social Development broom has a big beneficiary base to clean up
OPINION: A small group of beneficiaries cause the biggest problems.

'No idea how to look after a house': Bad tenants 'ruining' it for others
'A truth that nobody is willing to talk about or don’t have the guts to deal with.'

'Soul-destroying' sexual abuse dismissed as 'low-level' by MSD - victim
The woman claims her fight for justice was made all about money and the system failed her.

MSD warns incoming minister of rising number of Kiwis on benefit, more increases likely
'We are seeing increasing complexity in clients’ needs.'