Articles tagged with Jobs
New Zealand Sees 5,580 More People Move from Benefits to Work by March 2026
5 days ago | 137 viewsMinister 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.
Tags: Louise Upston Minister for Social Development and Employment New Zealand Jobseeker Support MSD Kōrero Mahi Traffic Light System welfare reset employment support main benefitNew Zealand Boosts Financial Support for Families, Superannuitants & Students from April
3 weeks ago | 336 viewsFrom 1 April, the New Zealand government will increase financial support for over a million citizens, including superannuitants, working families, students, and beneficiaries, to help offset rising living costs due to the global fuel-price surge and Middle East conflict. Key measures include increased NZ Superannuation payments, boosted family tax credits, in-work tax credits, and changes to KiwiSaver contribution rates to encourage long-term savings. The government emphasizes targeted, responsible support to manage inflation and economic growth while safeguarding New Zealand’s financial future amid global uncertainties.
Tags: Nicola Willis New Zealand Superannuitants Working Families Students Beneficiaries KiwiSaver Finance Minister FamilyBoost Jobseeker SupportHamilton Airport Runway Extension Boosted by $6.5M Loan for Growth and Resilience
3 weeks ago | 605 viewsHamilton Airport will receive a $6.5 million loan from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to extend its runway by 255 meters, enhancing its capacity and resilience as a key hub for domestic and international freight and passenger transport. The upgrade, including apron expansion and lighting improvements, supports Waikato’s major manufacturers and exporters and provides an alternative airport option during disruptions at other North Island airports. The project, led by Waikato Regional Airport Ltd with a $3.3 million contribution, is expected to create up to 39 local jobs and strengthen New Zealand’s national aviation network.
Tags: Hamilton Airport runway extension Regional Infrastructure Fund Shane Jones Waikato national aviation network Regional Development Minister Waikato Regional Airport Ltd Coalition Government airport construction jobsAra Jobs and Skills Hub Celebrates 10 Years Connecting Auckland Airport to Jobs
1 month ago | 244 viewsThe Ara Jobs and Skills Hub, supported by the Ministry of Social Development for 10 years, has helped over 1,440 people into jobs and provided training to thousands within the Auckland Airport precinct. This partnership coordinates workforce planning, recruitment, and training for 800 businesses across various sectors, addressing significant workforce demands. Minister Louise Upston emphasizes the importance of this collaboration in supporting job seekers and achieving the government’s goal of reducing Jobseeker Support recipients by 50,000 by 2030.
Tags: Louise Upston Ara Jobs and Skills Hub Ministry of Social Development Auckland Airport job training workforce planning recruitment New Zealand government Jobseeker Support employmentMSD Traffic Light System Boosts Jobseeker Responsibility and Employment Outcomes
1 month ago | 327 viewsAn 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.
Tags: Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development MSD Government traffic light system welfare system Jobseeker Support New Zealand employment social developmentGovernment-Funded Driver Licence Training Boosts Job Opportunities in New Zealand
2 months ago | 413 viewsThe 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.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Driver Licence Support MSD Jobseeker Support Fulton Hogan Social Development Employment Driver Licence YouthMinister Louise Upston Encourages Timaru Employers to Hire Local Jobseekers with MSD Support
2 months ago | 504 viewsMinister 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.
Tags: Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development MSD Timaru Fonterra Jobseekers Employment Social Development Workforce RecruitmentLocal Water Done Well: $48B Investment to Upgrade NZ Water Services by 2034
4 months ago | 500 viewsAll councils' water service delivery plans under Local Water Done Well have been assessed, with 76% of New Zealand’s population receiving services through council-controlled organisations (CCOs), addressing affordability challenges. Councils plan to invest nearly $48 billion over the next decade, including an additional $9 billion compared to previous estimates, to upgrade water infrastructure and ensure regulatory compliance after decades of underinvestment. This reform also anticipates the creation of around 9,000 new water industry jobs, balancing the need to fix existing issues while preparing for future population growth.
Tags: Simon Watts Local Water Done Well New Zealand councils water service delivery Department of Internal Affairs water infrastructure water industry jobs Local Government MinisterCostco's Expansion Plans Bring Economic Boost to New Zealand Shoppers
5 months ago | 562 viewsUS supermarket giant Costco is planning to open a second store in South Auckland, welcomed by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis. The Government is facilitating quick approvals for new supermarkets through legislation and working closely with Costco for efficient consenting processes. Kiwi Property has agreed to sell land for the new Costco store, expected to boost the economy, create jobs, and enhance competition for shoppers.
Tags: Nicola Willis Costco New Zealand South Auckland Kiwi shoppers Economic Growth Minister Kiwi Property Drury Auckland’s economy construction jobsGovernment Progresses in Tackling Unemployment Despite Economic Challenges
6 months ago | 504 viewsMinister 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.
Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston Government unemployment MSD stats Jobseeker Support New Zealanders Kōrero MahiMinister Upston Applauds Progress in Job Seeker Preparation and Case Management Boost
6 months ago | 512 viewsMinister 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.
Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston Kiwi job seekers case management MSD Individual Employment Plans Government Jobseeker reduction targetNew Zealand-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Launched for Economic Growth and Security
6 months ago | 608 viewsPrime Minister Christopher Luxon and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong launched the New Zealand-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) in Auckland, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between small states to maintain open trade, enhance security, and uphold the rules-based order. The CSP aims to support businesses, boost investments, and facilitate the expansion of New Zealand firms into Asia, ultimately leading to increased job opportunities and higher incomes for Kiwis. The partnership will address various challenges together, including supply chain resilience, digital trade, climate change, and maritime security, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in six key areas: Trade and Economics, Defence and Security, Science and Innovation, People-to-People links, Climate and Green Economy, and Supply Chains and Connectivity.
Tags: Prime Minister Christopher Luxon Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong trade security business investment jobs incomesFinance Minister Hails OCR Cut, Easing Pressure on Kiwi Households and Businesses
6 months ago | 493 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis highlights the positive impact of the 50 basis point Official Cash Rate reduction on Kiwi households and businesses, easing financial pressure. The reduction in OCR will lead to lower interest rates for mortgage-holders and businesses, stimulating growth and investment. The Government's focus on responsible economic management, along with lower interest rates, aims to support recovery and drive policies for job and income growth to benefit all New Zealanders.
Tags: Official Cash Rate Kiwi households Finance Minister Nicola Willis monetary policy interest rates growth jobs investment inflationMSD's Proactive Approach Enhances Job Seekers' Employment Readiness and Success
6 months ago | 544 viewsMinister 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.
Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston MSD jobseekers employers proactive engagement Kōrero Mahi seminars Jobseeker SupportNew Zealand's Initiatives to Reduce Youth Benefit Dependency
6 months ago | 778 viewsMinister Louise Upston announces two key initiatives aimed at reducing benefit dependency and encouraging young New Zealanders to stay in work. The first initiative involves removing Jobseeker payments for 18- and 19-year-olds if their parents can financially support them. The second initiative offers a $1,000 bonus payment to young people who participate in the Community Job Coaching service, secure employment, and remain off benefits for 12 months.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealanders Jobseeker payments Ministry of Social Development Community Job Coaching service Parental Assistance Test welfare benefit dependency National’s Welfare that Works policy young people