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Our work in 2024/25 | Ā mātau mahi i te 2024/25
This section describes how we have worked towards implementing the Government’s priorities and achieving each of our three outcomes in 2024/25, broken down by focus area. These three outcomes are:
- New Zealanders participate positively in society and reach their potential
- New Zealanders get the support they require
- New Zealanders are resilient and live in inclusive and supportive communities.
Some of the figures in this section have been rounded.
New Zealand’s changing population and economic conditions are increasing demand on the welfare system
New Zealand’s population continues to age and grow, which is leading to a rising number of people accessing New Zealand Superannuation and an increase in this expenditure. For 2024/25, this expenditure was $23.191 billion ($1.617 billion more than 2023/24), accounting for over half of the funding in Vote Social Development. Around 941,500 people were receiving New Zealand Superannuation in June 2025, an increase from 809,000 five years earlier, and 677,900 five years before that.
The New Zealand economy has been experiencing a prolonged period of flat activity. The recent economic slowdown has seen unemployment steadily rise to reach 5.2 percent at the end of June 2025. The number of people receiving a main benefit reached 406,100 people, a 6.6 percent increase on the previous year.
Clients often have multiple needs, and for some groups the complexity of the challenges they face is increasing.
Government priorities inform our work
The Government’s vision is for a sustainable welfare system that provides a safety net for those in need, while supporting individuals and families into work and lives of greater independence, choice and opportunity.
The Social Security Act 2018 emphasises that given the impact on wellbeing for individuals and their families, everyone who can work, should work.
Our focus continues to be on supporting people into work and making sure New Zealanders can access the support they need at the right time. By intervening early, we can provide New Zealanders with the support they need to move towards independence.