Media Releases - 2007

Senior Citizens Minister Ruth Dyson and Veterans’ Affairs Minister Rick Barker today welcomed the launch of the SuperGold Card for older New Zealanders and veterans.

Emergency assistance is available to people who have been affected by the recent extreme weather events in New Plymouth, Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel.

Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope today opened the consultation period for the Out of School Services Five Year Action Plan. "The Government is seeking the views of the public on the draft of the action plan, which aims to improve the supply of good quality and affordable out of school care for five to 13 year olds," said Mr Benson-Pope.

The Ministry of Social Development today released research on custodial remands of young offenders in police cells or in a Child, Youth and Family Residences.

The Ministry of Social Development is committed to working through historic claims of abuse or maltreatment. “I will ensure that each and every one of the individuals involved is treated with dignity and respect. They will be listened to,” said Ministry Chief Executive Peter Hughes.

The number of people receiving an unemployment benefit has dropped by a further 35 percent, or some 16,000, since March last year, Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope announced today.

A Government 0800 flood helpline has been set up to provide information on government services for people affected by the Northland floods, Social Development Minister David Benson-Pope said today.

Child poverty, aging populations, and ethnic diversity are just some of the many topics that will be under discussion next week at a major social policy conference being hosted by the Ministry of Social Development

More than half a million older New Zealanders will get up to an extra $13 a week as a result of increases to Superannuation and Veterans Pensions to be introduced on 1 April, says Social Development Minister, David Benson-Pope.

The full implementation of the Working for Families package on Sunday will be an important milestone in the Labour-led government's work for New Zealand families, Social Development and Employment Minister David Benson-Pope said today.

"The Ministry of Social Development's new client management system will enable our staff to work even more effectively to support clients into work. The new smart system streamlines administration time and supports best practice case management" said Work and Income Deputy Chief Executive Liz Jones.

Latest benefit figures show that there are now 62,735 fewer children living in a household claiming a main benefit than in December 1999, says Social Development and Employment Minister, David Benson-Pope.

Ministry of Social Development Chief Executive Peter Hughes says he is disappointed that the website attacking Child, Youth and Family staff is still live and gaining more exposure through the media.