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 Work and Income New Zealand
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
Children missing school because parents can't afford fuel, social worker says
Children in rural South Auckland miss school as fuel costs bite.
Food or teeth: The pension squeeze forcing seniors back to work
'It’s not easy to stand when you’ve got arthritis in your legs, but you’ve got no choice.'
Beneficiaries spend 8% more than they receive each week – report
Hardship KiwiSaver withdrawals are up 1046% since 2015.
'Burial costs up 200%': Funeral directors criticise councils over price hikes
An average burial now costs $4359, well above Work and Income's $2697 funeral grant.
Nadine Higgins: Means-testing NZ Super could cut entitlement by 40%
OPINION: Why pension change is now unavoidable.
Wayne Brown mulls private rescue bid for Kaitāia timber mills
The Auckland Mayor's weighing a private bid to keep the Triboard and Northland mills open.
Dad who lives in tent with disabled kids says controversial benefit policy needs to change
A legal challenge is running so parents who share childcare equally can both receive help.
Minimum wage to increase from April next year, Govt commits to bigger rise than last year
The minimum wage will rise by 2% to $23.95.
'I’m on 2-minute-noodles': Northland's over 40s shut out of work
Nearly 1400 people aged 40-54 are on Jobseeker Support in Whangārei.
NZ Herald Headlines | Wednesday December 3, 2025
Afternoon Headlines | Majority of jobseekers are meeting benefit conditions, US business summit begins | Wednesday December 3, 2025 Video / NZ Herald
Nearly 9000 teens to lose welfare if parents can support them under new test
A 'parental assistance test' will be introduced for single 18- and 19-year-olds in 2027.
Frustrations over having to re-prove permanent disabilities
People with permanent disabilities are having to prove their condition multiple times.
The rise of the underground food economy
Hospitality NZ says informal food businesses are being emboldened by social media reach,.
Govt adds new sanctions to beneficiary traffic light scheme
The minister says consequences for job seekers are having a 'positive impact'.
Joanna Hall: Moving towards a smarter immigration system
OPINION: NZ needs an immigration system that can consistently provide the skills we need.
Their mum died on Christmas Eve - then Work and Income asked for $1800
Who is liable for a person's debts when they die?
‘It made me cry’: Former drug-dealing gang member on the words that changed his life
Kamonn Flavell-Downey helps 170 youth, proves change is possible.
Job market woes mean high beneficiary numbers in Northland
Companies being cautious with their spending equalled more cautious employing.
Police move to seize land and cash related to alleged $2m Winz fraud
The men, who are linked to an Auckland furniture company, haven't been arrested.
Dunedin flood payments: How much you can get - and what it will cover
Payments are available to anyone affected by flooding in the Dunedin City Council area.
'Improper' Covid cash claim: Ministry takes hotel building contractor to court
Issue over nearly $250,000 in pandemic-era wage subsidies.
Financial stress eases for young Kiwis but rises for mortgage holders
Signs financial stress could be easing, but not for everyone.
Editorial: What happens when the news moves on?
OPINION: Ten years after a tragedy that rocked a town, the impact is everlasting.