12 Aug 2026
2 months ago
579 views
The Government has launched an upgraded job search website, MyMSD Jobs, to better connect job seekers with employers using enhanced job matching technology and improved Jobseeker profiles. Over 94,000 clients have updated their profiles to access matched job opportunities, with more than 7,700 positions currently available, and positive feedback has been reported from users. Future improvements include a dedicated employer portal, as part of MSD’s broader transformation to provide more efficient services and support stronger, resilient communities.
16 Jul 2026
3 months ago
763 views
New Zealand has seen a year-on-year increase in the number of people moving off benefits into work, with 86,544 exits recorded in the year ending June 2026, reflecting positive job market trends despite economic challenges. The Ministry of Social Development supports jobseekers through initiatives like the Traffic Light System, Kōrero Mahi seminars, and partnerships with businesses such as Ventia and SkyCity to connect candidates with employment opportunities. These efforts aim to foster workforce development, reduce reliance on temporary labor, and promote economic independence for New Zealanders.
16 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1178 views
Minister Louise Upston highlights that more New Zealanders moved from benefits into work over the year to March 2026, despite challenging economic conditions, with 5,580 more people exiting benefits compared to the previous year. The number of people receiving Jobseeker Support and working-age main benefits decreased significantly, reflecting the impact of the Government’s welfare reset and initiatives like the Traffic Light System and Kōrero Mahi seminars. These measures aim to make jobseekers more proactive and work-ready, providing practical support to help them secure sustainable employment.
06 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1250 views
The Government has passed legislation to clarify the impact of ACC payments on welfare entitlements, addressing an unfair discrepancy between those receiving weekly ACC payments and those receiving lump sum payments while their ACC claims are considered. The Social Security Amendment Act ensures equal treatment for all ACC recipients, correcting a court-interpreted anomaly that previously favored one group over another. This change aims to create a fair and equitable process, with transitional provisions for individuals seeking review before the Bill's introduction.
05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1225 views
Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston announced the launch of ChamberWorks, a partnership between the Ministry of Social Development and New Zealand Chambers of Commerce, aimed at helping businesses with recruitment and increasing employment. The initiative addresses employers' recruitment challenges by aligning workforce needs with job seekers and leveraging MSD's extensive talent pipeline and training resources. ChamberWorks will operate nationally across 23 chambers, collaborating on workforce plans and opportunities to support businesses and get more Kiwis into work.
03 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1293 views
An evaluation of New Zealand's traffic light system, introduced in August 2024, shows that 90% of MSD clients find it helpful for understanding their job search obligations, with nearly 99% fulfilling these responsibilities and a 10.6% decrease in sanctions. The system aims to reset welfare expectations, incentivize employment over dependency, and is supported by increased frontline services, job coaching, and incentives like a $1000 bonus for young people securing and maintaining work. The government remains committed to reducing Jobseeker Support recipients by 50,000 by 2030 through a fair, firm, and simple welfare approach that helps jobseekers be proactive and seize employment opportunities.
17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1332 views
The Government is introducing the Social Security (Accident Compensation and Calculation of Weekly Income) Amendment Bill to clarify how ACC payments affect welfare entitlements and ensure fair treatment between different recipient groups. The bill aims to align the law with longstanding policy by authorizing MSD to retrospectively adjust benefits when backdated ACC payments reduce welfare to zero and to prevent inequities where some recipients receive dual income support for the same need. This legislation responds to court rulings and will not apply retrospectively to cases filed before the bill’s introduction, promoting fairness and certainty in the welfare system.
03 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1331 views
The Government-funded Driver Licence Support programme in New Zealand is exceeding targets, with over 21,000 enrolments and more than 34,000 licences issued since 2023, helping job seekers gain essential driving skills. Having a driver licence is crucial for about 70% of jobs, enabling individuals to secure employment, support their families, and achieve independence, as illustrated by success stories like a young woman obtaining a traffic management job. The programme, with an 82% pass rate and significant youth participation, contributes to safer, stronger communities by improving employment opportunities and mobility.
22 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1377 views
Minister Louise Upston encouraged Timaru employers to prioritize hiring jobseekers and highlighted how the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) supports businesses by matching them with skilled and suitable candidates. MSD collaborates closely with local employers like Fonterra to understand their workforce needs and build trust by connecting them with ready-to-work talent from a large pool of jobseekers. She emphasized that recruitment through MSD is about unlocking potential and creating lasting opportunities, urging employers of all sizes to engage with MSD for workforce solutions.
19 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1152 views
The Government has ended the use of Contracted Emergency Housing motels in Rotorua, reducing households in CEH from over 240 to zero through coordinated efforts with local partners. This marks a significant turnaround from a previously broken emergency housing system that caused social and economic harm, restoring safety and stability to the city. Ongoing initiatives, including new affordable rental homes, aim to strengthen Rotorua’s housing supply and support its economic growth.
17 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1068 views
The Ministry for Social Development, in partnership with the Carers Alliance and advisory groups, has launched a consultation on a draft action plan to support unpaid or informal carers in New Zealand. The plan focuses on three key areas: recognition and appreciation, health and wellbeing, and financial security. Feedback from carers is being sought through workshops, surveys, and submissions until 12 February 2026 to help shape the final strategy.
16 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1245 views
Minister Louise Upston highlights the Government's progress in reducing unemployment despite economic challenges, with a 6% increase in beneficiaries finding work in the June 2025 quarter, totaling 20,775 individuals transitioning into employment. The data also shows a 6.9% rise in work exits from Jobseeker Support and a decrease in young people receiving this support. The Government's initiatives, such as frontline investments, phone-based case management, and Kōrero Mahi seminars, aim to support jobseekers, emphasizing the importance of providing practical assistance during the job search process to help individuals gain independence and improve their lives.
15 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1109 views
Minister Louise Upston has praised the progress in preparing Kiwi job seekers for work, emphasizing the focus on matching them with employers through targeted case management. The Ministry for Social Development is increasing case management places and rolling out Individual Employment Plans to help clients become job-ready. MSD aims to support job seekers in securing positions now and in the future, aligning with the government's Jobseeker reduction target and economic growth projections.
08 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1201 views
Minister Louise Upston praises MSD's focus on frontline partnerships to better prepare jobseekers for employment, citing the success of the 'Into Work' regional workshops for employers. MSD's proactive engagement with job seekers has led to a significant increase in appointments and successful job placements, with tailored seminars providing practical job readiness support. Despite economic challenges, there has been a notable rise in Jobseeker work exits, highlighting the positive impact of prompt employment assistance on individuals, families, communities, and the economy.
02 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1256 views
Minister Louise Upston highlights the job opportunities arising from the upcoming opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre in Auckland, emphasizing the partnership between the Ministry of Social Development and the centre to fill various roles. The convention space is expected to boost the tourism sector by hosting live events and conferences, creating job prospects in events and hospitality. The collaboration between MSD, NZICC, and other employers aims to provide skilled local employees for the tourism industry, with a focus on assisting job seekers in transitioning into new roles effectively.