From today, people on a main benefit like Jobseeker Support could be hit with money management and community work sanctions if they fail to meet one of their obligations, which involve preparing for or looking for work.
Social Development Minister Louise Upston is defending the introduction of more sanctions for beneficiaries who don’t meet their obligations, despite uncertainty about their efficacy.
The money management sanction would mean half of a person’s benefit would be put on a payment card for four weeks and could only be used at approved shops for groceries, transport, health, and education-related items.
The other sanction introduced today would require people to complete at least five hours of community work experience per week for four weeks.
Upston welcomed the sanctions as a “sensible move” while Act leader David Seymour lauded the money management sanction as an Act policy since 2017.
“If you don’t like the sound of having your benefit payments managed, then you’ll need to put the work in. Apply for jobs, show up for interviews, attend employment expos,” he said.
Earlier this month, RNZ reported Ministry of Social Development couldn’t say whether increasing benefit sanctions led to more people going into work.
The coalition Government had put a greater emphasis on benefit sanctions since coming to power amid its target to reduce benefit numbers.
Reducing the number of people on the Jobseeker benefit by 50,000 to 140,000 by 2030 was one of the Government’s public sector targets.
As of December, the number of Jobseeker beneficiaries had increased to 213,300 with the overall target considered at risk.
Upston, speaking to the Herald last week, accepted the trajectory was “pretty grim” but argued the efficacy of sanctions was hard to quantify given the number of touchpoints beneficiaries had with the system.
“In terms of hard evidence about sanctions only leading to that person exiting a benefit and into work, yeah, it will be difficult to do that.”
Upston said she had been pleased by the 98% of beneficiaries who were complying with their obligations and said the almost 4000 who weren’t immediately fulfilling them was a lower total than she expected.
“I’m very sympathetic for people at the moment who are looking for work, it is tough out there, but I want to ensure that when the economy is growing stronger, those who are on the Jobseeker benefit have taken the steps they need to, so they are better positioned to get a job when they’re available.”
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Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Are Kiwis allergic to “exuberance”? 🥝
In The Post’s opinion piece on the developments set to open across Aotearoa in 2026, John Coop suggests that, as a nation, we’re “allergic to exuberance.”
We want to know: Are we really allergic to showing our excitement?
Is it time to lean into a more optimistic view of the place we call home? As big projects take shape and new opportunities emerge, perhaps it’s worth asking whether a little more confidence (and enthusiasm!) could do us some good.
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41.8% Yes
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33.5% Maybe?
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24.7% No
Tips and advice to stay street smart this summer
Summer is finally here!
Time for BBQs, holidays, Christmas, travelling and events galore.
We've put together a whole range of tips and advice so you can put your feet up and relax this summer, knowing that it's all good in your hood.
Our first piece of advice to make your neighbourhood safer this summer, is to get to know the people who live around you! People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
Shop Safe - Preventing Fraud & Scams
You might find yourself making more purchases than usual at this time of year, and many of those might be online, so here's a set of tips and advice to make sure you stay safe and secure whilst doing your Christmas shopping this year. And remember to think about the security of your online shopping when it gets delivered!
Heading away this summer?
It's a busy time of year on new Zealand roads and everyone wants to get from A to B safely. It's also important that your home stays safe while you're away enjoying your 'home away from home'. We have put together a set of tips and advice to help make that happen!
Keeping your car, home and belongings safe
From recording valuable possessions to securing locks, keeping valuables hidden and informing trusted neighbours that you will be away, there are many things you can do to keep your car, home, and belongings safe. Here's a bunch of handy tips!
Party planning checklist and fire-wise tips
Whether it’s a small backyard gathering, or a big celebration for a special occasion, a little extra planning and consideration will go a long way in keeping you, your guests, and your neighbours happy. We also have some tips to make sure you and your families stay fire-wise during summer.
Get to know your neighbours - look out, reach out, help out
The most important action you can take to make your community safer is get to know the people who live around you. People who know each other are more likely to offer, accept, and ask for help when needed.
It is also important to know who to contact in an emergency and when to use the non-emergency contact for NZ Police. Learn more about Neighbourhood Support, get tips on getting to know your neighbours and the best way to contact the police below.
Strong communities start with small hellos
In terms of crime prevention, your neighbours are the best and cheapest security system you can have. You don't have to love your neighbour, but at least get their number just in case!
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Have a happy, safe and connected summer!
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