Latest from Ministry of Social Development
Exploitation scam: Employer charged $7500, forced woman into sex work to repay debt
Ava Young falsely claimed a Thai worker was her relative.
‘Disappointed’: Māori advisory group says there was a 'breach' in relationship with Minister
It's put staff in an "invidious position", says the group.
How much did Seymour's public sector savings contribute to Budget 2025?
'The coalition certainly hasn't saved as much as Act would save.'
'Won’t be enough': Foodbanks react to $15m Budget boost
One organisation welcomed the money but said it is 'not a full solution'.
Minister reluctant to detail possible exceptions to 18-19yo benefit cuts
The Government saves more than $160m through the change.
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.
Police response to family violence questioned: NGOs considering ‘stab vests’ for staff
Minister Karen Chhour's advisory group is flagging serious risks of injury or death.
Businessman faked firms to claim $1.8m Covid subsidies, funding luxury lifestyle
SFO boss Karen Chang described Im’s offending as 'deliberate and wide-reaching'.
Children as young as 6 adopted, made to work as house slaves
Social worker who has helped teens who escaped slavery fears others are in danger.
'Disruptive' change: Andy Coster’s new role in reshaping social sector funding
Andy Coster says his agency will not manage the new social investment fund for long.
Andy Coster talks about the new social investment fund
Social Investment Agency boss Andy Coster has responsibility for a new $190 million fund to tackle social problems. Video / NZ Herald
MSD office in lockdown after new threat, police on site
Last week, a man fired a gun at someone at the Ministry of Social Development’s office.
Watch: Smoke fills Auckland shopping centre as fire breaks out in govt offices
Police have cordoned off carpark, and shopkeepers have been told to close their doors.
Gun allegedly fired in MSD office, man charged
No one was injured during the incident, police confirmed.
'Real barriers': Surging benefit sanctions raise concerns
Sanctions for missed MSD appointments rose to 9042 in March 2025.
Editorial: It is time to remove the weeds from our ministerial portfolios
OPINION: A leaner Cabinet could sharpen NZ's focus on key issues.
Man used fake passport to swindle nearly $1m in Covid wage subsidy fraud
The case is believed to be the largest scam of its kind.
'People are working their hearts out': The struggle of Northland's workers
Of Northland's workforce, 66% earn $50,000 or less annually.
Bruce Cotterill: MMP system failing to serve NZ's majority
OPINION: Critics argue MMP leads to disproportionate influence by fringe parties.
Frustrations over having to re-prove permanent disabilities
People with permanent disabilities are having to prove their condition multiple times.
‘Treated like a dog’: 13-year-old girl trafficked and enslaved in NZ
She had 35 injuries, was underweight, with poor hygiene and head lice.
On The Up - ‘Fresh produce is now a luxury’: Northlanders tackle food crisis
Northlanders help families become self-reliant by growing their own vegetables.
Revealed: The Jobseeker on a benefit for 40 years
Data reveals the longest period current beneficiaries have been receiving support.
Kāinga Ora staff ‘crying in office’ over ‘horrendous’ restructure
Kāinga Ora is proposing to axe hundreds of jobs during its second round of restructuring.
Ryan Bridge: Govt guilty of Labour's crime on bloated public service
OPINION: Yes, this is the same “woke” that New Zealand First voted for.
‘Do the mahi’: Outgoing business chief’s advice on leadership and job seeking
Hard work pays off, says outgoing Rotorua Business Chamber head.
Number of Kiwis on benefit has jumped up by 22,000 - the size of these NZ towns
The minister says an increase was expected but an expert warns of tough times ahead.