Articles tagged with Social Development
Auckland City Centre Action Plan Boosts Safety, Support, and Vibrancy for All
3 weeks ago | 145 viewsA new action plan led by Auckland’s government and council aims to make the city centre safe, welcoming, and vibrant by supporting vulnerable populations, increasing police presence, and improving public spaces and services. Key initiatives include adding social housing, outreach for rough sleepers, enhanced enforcement against criminal behavior, and regular maintenance of cleanliness and safety in public areas. The plan emphasizes collaboration among multiple agencies to boost confidence, economic activity, and community well-being as major projects and tourism increase in Auckland.
Tags: Simeon Brown Wayne Brown Auckland Ministry for Housing and Urban Development Ministry for Social Development Health New Zealand Auckland Council Minister of Justice City Rail Link New Zealand International Convention CentreNew Action Plan Consultation to Support Unpaid and Informal Carers in NZ
1 month ago | 174 viewsThe 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 ZealandNew Non-Financial Sanctions Launch in Traffic Light System for Job Seekers
2 months ago | 231 viewsThe Traffic Light System is expanding with two new non-financial sanctions related to job searches and upskilling, aimed at increasing accountability for beneficiaries. These sanctions require reporting job search activities and attending employment-related training courses. The government is focused on reducing benefit dependency, offering support services and incentives to help individuals transition into employment and meet their obligations. The goal is to have fewer people on Jobseeker Support by 2030 by proactively preparing individuals for employment opportunities.
Tags: Traffic Light System job searches upskilling Social Development Employment Minister Louise Upston beneficiaries accountability benefit dependencyRegional Infrastructure Fund Boosts Job Creation and Resilience in New Zealand
2 months ago | 242 viewsThe Regional Infrastructure Fund, supported by Ministers Shane Jones and Louise Upston, is funding projects in regional New Zealand to create resilient communities and local employment opportunities. Since its opening in mid last year, the RIF has committed over $862 million to projects, with $355.6 million already approved and announced. These projects are expected to provide employment for over 1750 full-time workers during construction, prioritizing local workforce planning and creating job opportunities in construction, agriculture, horticulture, and processing.
Tags: Regional Infrastructure Fund resilient communities local employment opportunities Regional Development Minister Shane Jones Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston infrastructure employment construction New Zealanders projectsGovernment Progresses in Tackling Unemployment Despite Economic Challenges
2 months ago | 225 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
2 months ago | 236 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 targetMSD's Proactive Approach Enhances Job Seekers' Employment Readiness and Success
2 months ago | 223 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
2 months ago | 376 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 peopleOpportunities Abound with NZICC Opening: Minister Upston & MSD Collaborate for Job Seekers
2 months ago | 293 viewsMinister 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 MSDNew Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) Opening Sparks Job Opportunities for Auckland Job Seekers
2 months ago | 320 viewsMinister 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 SkyCityEmpowering Northland Job Seekers: Ministry for Social Development Partners with Local Businesses for Employment Success
2 months ago | 262 viewsThe 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 cadetsGovernment Launches 5 Actions to Support Rough Sleepers into Social Homes
3 months ago | 415 viewsThe 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 UpstonGovernment's Enhanced Task Force Green Employs 18 Job Seekers for Tasman Flood Clean-Up
4 months ago | 1010 viewsEighteen job seekers in Tasman have begun clearing flood-damaged farms and orchards through the Enhanced Task Force Green programme funded by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. The program received $500,000 in funding to support job seekers in the clean-up efforts following the region's first flood in late June. The job seekers, who received training, are removing debris and trees from properties to aid in the recovery of the regional economy, with the Ministry of Social Development assisting in finding other employment opportunities for interested individuals.
Tags: Louise Upston Tasman job seekers farms orchards Government Enhanced Task Force Green Social Development Employment MinisterOver 80,700 People Transition from Benefit to Work in Past Year, Reveals Social Development Minister
5 months ago | 832 viewsOver 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 managementGovernment Focuses on Jobseeker Beneficiaries in Employment Programs for Next Three Years
5 months ago | 849 viewsMinister 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.