Latest from Ministry of Social Development

Drugs and gangs: Problems revealed as more children put in emergency housing

'Motels are no places for children,' a local social support advocate says.

School lunches feed pensioners in lockdown

"I didn't realise it was so good, and I'm grateful that the kids are getting this."

Public sector employment boosted post-pandemic, and not only in Wellington

In the year up to last December, 7630 new jobs were created in the public sector.

Beneficiaries in seasonal work set to keep more money

Beneficiaries given greater incentive to work - will it sooth seasonal worker shortage?

The NZ city with the lowest unemployment

A buffer against Covid-19 uncertainty.

Why don't some in emergency housing seem to want a rental?

"It's like they didn't want it ... like they'd rather stay in emergency housing."

889 per cent rise in five years in demand for social housing

Housing register numbers have rocketed across Hawke's Bay in the past five years.

Covid Xmas: City Mission hit with high demand as economic pain bites

One mother drove from Te Awamutu to donate gifts to the Auckland City Mission.

Christchurch benefit fraudster's appeal denied

Leticia Margaret Drake was convicted of benefit fraud that spanned over 10 years.

Porirua City Council to pay back wage subsidy

Porirua City Council excluded rates revenue from its application.

Day services for disabled closed, moved into homes

IDEA Services is still reviewing how it provides vocational services for the disabled.

Quality of life similar to 'battery hen' say parents of disabled

Review of IHC services draws damning submission from parents of intellectually disabled.

Life changer: Solo mums welcome $1b govt support for uni studies and work

Solo mum 'Ana Pahulu battled poverty raising her child. University changed their lives.

Election 2020: Labour unveils $1b plan for the welfare system

Labour would bring back an allowance for sole parents 10 years after it was axed.

Cautious approach to avoid 'work for the dole' scheme

Carmel Sepuloni wants to prepare people for work - but doesn't want to make it compulsory.

20 years experience but struggling for work

Getting a job is hard for minorities and migrants. Covid-19 is making it worse.