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Government Response to the Public Inquiry into the Disappearance of the Phillips Children

15 September 2026 – The Government has released the report of the Inquiry into the disappearance of the Phillips children, and the Government's response.

Findings of review into suspension of some payments

MSD has released its review that sought to understand why some payments, including Winter Energy Payments, main benefits and supplementary assistance, were suspended when they shouldn’t have been in the course of new Confirming Your Circumstances checks.

Submissions on Disability Support Services Bill have now closed

Submissions on the Government’s new Disability Support Services Bill have now closed. The Bill will be considered by Select Committee on 13 August 2026.

What's new

28 August 2026

A Wellington woman has been sentenced to 10 months home detention in the Hutt Valley District Court after dishonestly obtaining $25,001.20 through the COVID‑19 Wage Subsidy Scheme for a business that was not trading.

06 August 2026

The Ministry of Social Development is asking its regional leaders to strengthen their focus on helping people secure stable housing after they leave emergency housing.

04 August 2026

A man was sentenced on 31 July in the Hutt Valley District Court to four months community detention and 200 hours community work after pleading guilty to eight charges of Dishonest use of a document.