Articles tagged with Msd

Government-Funded Driver Licence Training Boosts Job Opportunities in New Zealand

6 days ago | 101 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.

Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Driver Licence Support MSD Jobseeker Support Fulton Hogan Social Development Employment Driver Licence Youth

Minister Louise Upston Encourages Timaru Employers to Hire Local Jobseekers with MSD Support

2 weeks ago | 183 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.

Tags: Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development MSD Timaru Fonterra Jobseekers Employment Social Development Workforce Recruitment

Rotorua Ends Contracted Emergency Housing Motels, Rehomes All Families

2 months ago | 300 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.

Tags: Tama Potaka Rotorua HUD MSD Ngāti Whakaue Te Arawa Visions of a Helping Hand WERA Aotearoa Emerge Aotearoa Rotorua Lakes Council

New Action Plan Consultation to Support Unpaid and Informal Carers in NZ

2 months ago | 315 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.

Tags: Penny Simmonds Ministry for Social Development Carers Alliance Associate Social Development Minister MSD unpaid carers informal carers carers strategy social development New Zealand

Government Progresses in Tackling Unemployment Despite Economic Challenges

3 months ago | 333 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.

Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston Government unemployment MSD stats Jobseeker Support New Zealanders Kōrero Mahi

Minister Upston Applauds Progress in Job Seeker Preparation and Case Management Boost

3 months ago | 356 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.

Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston Kiwi job seekers case management MSD Individual Employment Plans Government Jobseeker reduction target

MSD's Proactive Approach Enhances Job Seekers' Employment Readiness and Success

4 months ago | 349 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.

Tags: Minister Social Development Employment Louise Upston MSD jobseekers employers proactive engagement Kōrero Mahi seminars Jobseeker Support

Opportunities Abound with NZICC Opening: Minister Upston & MSD Collaborate for Job Seekers

4 months ago | 449 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.

Tags: Louise Upston Minister of Social Development New Zealand International Convention Centre Auckland job seekers events hospitality tourism sector tourism jobs MSD

New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) Opening Sparks Job Opportunities for Auckland Job Seekers

4 months ago | 488 views

Minister Louise Upston highlights the job opportunities presented by the upcoming opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland in February 2026. The Ministry of Social Development is collaborating with SkyCity to fill various roles required for the NZICC. The NZICC is expected to enhance New Zealand's infrastructure, attracting live events, conferences, and exhibitions, creating job opportunities in sectors like tourism and hospitality.

Tags: Louise Upston Minister of Social Development New Zealand International Convention Centre NZICC Auckland job seekers tourism hospitality MSD SkyCity

Empowering Northland Job Seekers: Ministry for Social Development Partners with Local Businesses for Employment Success

4 months ago | 412 views

The Ministry for Social Development in Northland is partnering with local businesses to help job seekers find employment, with successful examples like Fulton Hogan training and employing 44 MSD clients. Minister Louise Upston highlights the success of businesses like Fulton Hogan in placing job seekers in Northland. MSD is focusing on understanding businesses to connect local job seekers with suitable opportunities, aiming to address workforce challenges through collaborative efforts with employers.

Tags: Ministry for Social Development Northland Louise Upston Into Work event Fulton Hogan MSD job seekers employers Whangarei cadets

Government Boosts Funding for Tasman District Clean-Up, Supporting Local Job Seekers

5 months ago | 416 views

The Government is allocating an additional $300,000 to aid the ongoing clean-up efforts in the Tasman district following heavy rainfall in June and July 2025. The Enhanced Taskforce Green program, activated in July, is employing local job seekers to assist farmers and growers in their recovery efforts. This funding extension, totaling $800,000, will support job seekers until December 2025, providing them with work experience and the opportunity to transition to seasonal horticulture work.

Tags: Louise Upston Government Funding Taskforce Green programme Job seekers Farmers Growers MSD Natural disaster

Government Launches 5 Actions to Support Rough Sleepers into Social Homes

5 months ago | 580 views

The Government is taking immediate actions to address homelessness in New Zealand, focusing on expanding support for rough sleepers and providing more social housing options. These actions include funding additional social homes for the Housing First program, increasing support services for rough sleepers, improving the efficiency of transitional housing, redirecting beneficiaries' income to contribute to accommodation costs, and encouraging greater discretion in assessing emergency housing applications. The aim is to deliver the right homes, in the right places, with the right supports for rough sleepers and address the root causes of homelessness in the country.

Tags: Government Housing Minister Chris Bishop Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka homelessness social homes Housing First programme transitional housing emergency housing Ministry of Social Development (MSD) Louise Upston

Boosting Employment in Waikato: Minister Upston's Commitment to Jobseeker Reduction Target

5 months ago | 424 views

Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston highlights the importance of regional employment events in getting Kiwis into jobs and boosting the economy. The Government's focus on the Going for Growth strategy emphasizes developing talent and reducing the number of people on the Jobseeker Benefit by 50,000 by 2030 through partnerships with employers and training organizations. Initiatives such as early intervention services, work seminars, and the Relocate for Work Support payment aim to help beneficiaries find sustainable employment, providing them with purpose, independence, and a pathway out of welfare dependence.

Tags: Louise Upston Minister Employment MSD Jobseeker Benefit Kiwis Economy Growth Waikato Community

Over 80,700 People Transition from Benefit to Work in Past Year, Reveals Social Development Minister

6 months ago | 1015 views

Over 80,700 individuals transitioned from benefits to employment in the past year, reflecting the government's focus on facilitating job opportunities despite economic challenges. While the total number of beneficiaries has increased, particularly in Jobseeker Support, this aligns with seasonal trends and the government's efforts to provide enhanced support services for job seekers. Initiatives such as increased case management, community job coaching, and regular work seminars aim to assist individuals in securing and maintaining employment, with a focus on transitioning people off welfare and into work during the economic recovery period.

Tags: Louise Upston MSD benefit job seekers employment New Zealanders main benefit Social Development economic conditions case management

Government Focuses on Jobseeker Beneficiaries in Employment Programs for Next Three Years

6 months ago | 1098 views

Minister Louise Upston highlights the Government's focus on jobseeker beneficiaries in upcoming employment programs. The Ministry of Social Development's updated strategy emphasizes the importance of prioritizing beneficiaries for job placements. Efforts include targeted support for young people to reduce long-term reliance on benefits and increase employment opportunities.

Tags: Jobseeker beneficiaries Government Employment programmes Minister Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development MSD Young people Frontline staff Employment case management New Zealand.