Politics
More Jobseekers than when coalition Govt took office
There's also been a sharp increase in sanctions being issued.
Latest from Benefit
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Govt adds new sanctions to beneficiary traffic light scheme
The minister says consequences for job seekers are having a 'positive impact'.
Cultural issues at Fire and Emergency NZ and replacement ferries due in 2029 | NZ Herald News Update
Cultural issues within Fire and Emergency NZ have been addressed and the Government has announced its plan for replacement ferries to begin service in 2029. Video / NZ Herald
MSD ‘concerned’ one-in-four beneficiaries getting paid wrong
The minister admitted it was 'challenging'.
Children in need: More kids asking for food, not presents this Christmas
Kataraina Ashby: Government has placed us in rich, middle and lower classes.
Record benefit number sparks unemployment warning
Just over 6% of the population, or 204,765, were on Jobseeker Support in September.
Number of benefits cut more than doubles in a year
Missed appointments and failing to prepare for work have contributed to the cuts.
'Sanctions have done nothing': Jobseekers say they struggle under traffic light pressure
Young people on the benefit say they're barely surviving as they struggle to find work.
Early data shows most beneficiaries with obligations meeting requirements
Almost 6000 have received red or orange warnings.
‘A tough time for New Zealanders’: Jobseeker benefit numbers jump 12% in a year
Govt says numbers will get worse before they get better.
Foster mum of seven children jailed for $221k benefit fraud
'She has taken advantage of the benefit system for her own personal gain.'
Beneficiaries first in queue: New targets for $1.1 billion employment support
Govt believes much of the funding for schemes should be reserved for beneficiaries.
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.'
Benefit traffic light system: What you need to know
Government announced new traffic light scheme, additional system changes.
Trade Me job applications hit record levels
Beneficiaries being encouraged to apply for 'any' job may be adding to the number.
The benefit fraudster who didn't need to defraud MSD after all
Her children were not in her care but she continued to collect the benefits.
Thousands sign up for Jobseeker benefit; data points to more job losses
Over 2000 more people went on the Jobseeker benefit in May.
Jan Lawton looks forward to relaxing retirement after long service at Workbridge
'Jan is very well-known and respected in the Whanganui community,'
New requirement for job seeker beneficiaries kicks in
Rule change part of Govt's plan to reduce number of people getting dole payments.
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.
Louise Upston: Carmel Sepuloni’s welfare claim misleading
OPINION: I am steering the welfare system towards focusing on what people can do.
My experience on the DPB was not a pleasant one - Carmel Sepuloni
OPINION: Labour's deputy leader calls out Louise Upston over social welfare comments.
From benefit to self-employment
Inspiring Northlanders reveal how they got off the benefit and into self-employment. Video / Michael Cunningham
'It's a distraction': PM’s swift U-turn, will pay back $13k in accommodation allowance
Labour says PM 'treating hard-working Kiwis like a bottomless ATM'.
Claire Trevett: PM's own goal and backdown on accommodation allowance
Luxon caved in on the allowance for his apartment within two hours of defending it.
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.
Audrey Young: The real jobseeker shocker everybody missed
OPINION: Critics might want to check the fine print before they cry 'cruelty'.
Welfare crackdown will directly impact vulnerable youth - advocate
'What these young people are going through is already traumatic,' advocates say.