New Zealand
Solo mum claimed $50,997 in benefits she wasn't entitled to
She told MSD she didn't declare income from a cleaning job as she didn't have a contract.
Latest from Ministry of Social Development
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Fear and anger as rough sleepers ordered to move on from Whangārei site
Whangārei District Council gave campers at the Old Boys' site 10 days to leave.
New Napier apartment block to get tenants after 15 months empty
The 30 apartments have sat empty for 15 months.
Controversial move-on orders pass third reading under urgency
Police gain power to move on people for disorder, begging or rough sleeping.
Marokopa children: Agencies feared they'd 'get into trouble' sharing information
Privacy fears hindered the search for Tom Phillips' children, minister says.
Luxon picks senior minister to lead Govt response to Tom Phillips inquiry
Phillips disappeared with his three young children in December 2021.
Ministry of Social Development speak to media
Tens of thousands of payments wrongly cut in policy bungle.
MSD apologises for 'non-essential' food blunder, minister says decision unchanged
96% of all applications under the Special Needs Grant are food grants.
'Louise Upston is nowhere to be seen': Green MP on MSD bungle | Ryan Bridge TODAY
Green MP Ricardo Menéndez March says the Social Development Minister needs to front up on benefit admin errors. Video / Ryan Bridge TODAY
Solo parent trap: Minister sought advice on controversial policy but no plans for change
Officials provided alternatives to the system in 2024 but these were ultimately dismissed.
'A major cop-out': State care abuse survivor seeks review of 'insulting' $15k offer
Shane Kereama says sexual abuse claims were not taken into account.
Another sorry from Christopher Luxon after beneficiaries miss out
The Prime Minister stands by Parliament statement despite apologising for payment errors.
MSD: Some benefit payments suspended despite paperwork
Some beneficiaries missed payments after rushed law changes overwhelmed MSD.
NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Wednesday, August 26, 2026
NZ Herald Morning Headlines | Wednesday, August 26, 2026 Country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80 and rate caps could force many councils to cut back on services.
MSD staff face at least 22 security incidents a day
MSD recorded 8142 security incidents in 2025, including threats and abuse.
MSD won't say if Lake Alice survivors wrongly lost benefits
The ministry has not said whether it will check other Lake Alice survivors' benefits.
Covid wage subsidy fraudster loses jail time appeal
Ankle bracelet inconvenience claim rejected after 'persistent and opportunistic' fraud.
House of Shem brothers cite dad's death as catalyst for $200k benefit fraud
A judge told the siblings to get back into their work once their sentences are finished.
The warrant nobody’s enforcing as MSD chases prosecutions, $18m of debt
To chase or not to chase? MSD says it will pursue Covid wage subsidy fraud accused.
Kāinga Ora: Are more out-of-towners coming to Rotorua for housing?
About 200 people queued at Feeding Rotorua’s Monday dinner service last week.
Former council candidate caught after $107k benefit fraud tries to blame ex
The 34-year-old suggested her ex-husband's alleged addiction caused financial pressure.
We've forgotten how to tackle child poverty
OPINION: Sad child poverty statistics mask the fact that we have had success in the past.
Opportunity Party’s tax plan could lead to public service job losses, less money for OT, leader says
'If we simplify that, that’s a lot of jobs that no longer need to exist.'