Media Releases - 2005

A new catalogue that lists organisational resources available for people running community and voluntary organisations has been published by the Ministry of Social Development.

The Ministry of Social Development’s Social Report 2005 shows that, on key indicators of social wellbeing, New Zealanders' lives are better, on average, than they were a decade ago

The Ministry of Social Development launched its Student Allowance data match programme this month.

Ministry of Social Development analysis shows an improvement in the indicators used to report on the finances of lower-income New Zealanders. Fewer New Zealanders are below the Social Report low-income thresholds and accommodation costs are falling as a proportion of income.  

Trials of a new work-focussed service for all beneficiaries will begin in 12 locations across the country next month as part of the government's reform of the welfare system, Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey said.

The Ministry of Social Development today announced that it has selected HP New Zealand as its Systems Implementation Partner for a Proof of Concept on the Client Management System project.

Quarterly figures released today show the number of working-aged New Zealanders on the Unemployment Benefit dropped by a record 27 per cent in one year and the number of sole parents on the DPB fell below 100,000 for the first time since 1995.

The point at which parental income testing kicks in for Student Allowance eligibility was adjusted for inflation for the first time on 1 April which means more students are now eligible for an allowance.  

Thousands of families with children will be entitled to extra assistance when the next phase of Working for Families kicks in on 1 April, Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey said today.

Young people in Waitakere will get extra help in the transition from school to work with the launch of a new Youth Transition Service, Youth Affairs Minister Steve Maharey announced today.

Benefits, superannuation and student allowances will increase from 1 April 2005 and income thresholds for the Community Services Card will rise, Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey and Health Minister Annette King said today.

Work to implement a simpler, fairer benefit system will begin in May this year, Social Development and Employment Minister Steve Maharey announced today.

Time is now fast running out for students to apply for Students Allowances without missing out on some payments. “It is essential that students act now”, said Merv Dacre, General Manager of Studylink.

“Hamilton police have confirmed that Friday’s attack on Work and Income staff was unprovoked and totally unrelated to the business of Work and Income and its dealings with clients,” said Peter Hughes, Ministry of Social Development Chief Executive.

Two Work and Income employees have received medical treatment after a knife attack at the Hamilton East Work and Income Service Centre this morning.